Reps probes customs over smuggling, brutality, alleged complicity

• Published On: 12 December 2024 at 19:55

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate Nigeria Customs Service operations, with a focus on smuggling, alleged complicity, and brutality.

Hon. Sesi Whingan moved the resolution, citing Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the NCS Act, 2023, which directs Customs to collect revenue, prevent smuggling, and maintain border security.

Whingan, in moving the motion, cited a Sahara Reporters report from November 18, 2024, that revealed the smuggling of over 2,000 cars loaded with 6,500,000 kg of rice through Badagry, allegedly under the supervision of Customs officers.

He stated that Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the NCS Act, 2023 mandates the Nigeria Customs Service to prevent smuggling, combat customs fraud, and protect Nigeria's borders.

He also stated that videos published by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of Customs officers' involvement in the smuggling activities.

He also cited reports of brutality, such as an incident on the Badagry-Seme expressway on December 1, 2024, in which Customs officers, allegedly in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik.

The lawmaker emphasized that the victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, which resulted in threats to their lives and a standoff that necessitated the intervention of local residents and police.

He explained that smuggling has serious economic consequences, including undermining local industries, reducing government revenue, encouraging unfair trade practices, and flooding markets with subpar or harmful products.

Whingan also stated that certain Customs officers' actions violate the agency's core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.

""At night, these same officers reportedly enable or turn a blind eye to rampant smuggling activities, undermining public trust and perpetuating economic hardship," he added.

Whingan expressed concern that small businesses, such as rice farmers and poultry producers, are struggling to compete with the influx of contraband goods, resulting in job losses and increased poverty.

He also warned that the breakdown of law and order in border areas such as Badagry jeopardizes community stability, leaving citizens vulnerable and disengaged.

"The complicity of Customs officers in smuggling operations and the use of violence to intimidate civilians pose significant risks to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law," Whingan told reporters.

The House resolved: "Mandate the Committee on Customs and Excise, in collaboration with the Committee on Defence, to investigate the NCS's operations and activities across Nigerian borders, with a particular emphasis on smuggling activities, allegations of complicity, and incidents of brutality, and report back within six weeks for further legislative action."

"Direct the Committees on Defence, Customs, and Excise to investigate the role of military personnel assigned to Customs patrols, ensuring that their operations adhere to legal frameworks and human rights standards."

"Recommend appropriate measures to enhance oversight, accountability, and efficiency within the Nigeria Customs Service to restore public trust and safeguard Nigeria's economic and national security interests."