December 12, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise to investigate allegations that personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service are complicit in smuggling activities at the nation’s borders.
The lawmakers also directed the Committees on Defence to probe claims of brutality against Nigerians by military personnel attached to Customs patrol teams.
The investigation seeks to ensure compliance with legal frameworks and human rights standards.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance presented during Wednesday’s plenary by Hon. Sesi Whingan.
Whingan noted that the NCS is tasked with revenue collection, smuggling prevention, and border security under Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
However, he alleged that instead of curbing smuggling, some Customs officers have become key facilitators of the illicit trade.
Citing a Sahara Reporters story published on November 18, 2024, Whingan revealed that over 2,000 vehicles carrying 6,500,000 kilograms of rice were reportedly smuggled through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers.
He also referenced investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, whose videos allegedly exposed the complicity of Customs officials in these illegal activities.
Whingan further raised concerns about cases of brutality against citizens, particularly those attempting to expose these unlawful acts.
He highlighted an incident on December 1, 2024, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway, where Customs officers, in collaboration with soldiers, allegedly assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik, suspected of documenting smuggling activities.
“The victims faced threats to their lives and were only rescued following a standoff involving local residents and police intervention,” Whingan said.
The Committees on Customs and Defence are expected to provide findings and recommendations on these allegations to the House in the coming weeks.
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