Customs / VIO clash: Action runs afoul of CGC’s vision on inter-agencies collaboration, security of Nigerians – Maiwada

…As customs sympathises with victims
…Vows to investigate, sanction culpable officers

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The last Friday confrontation between some customs officers and men of the Vehicle Inspection Officers(VIO) at the AYA Roundabout, Abuja has been condemned by the Nigerian Customs Service(NCS) management led by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

In a release on Tuesday, the Nigerian Customs Service image-maker, CSC Abdulahi Maiwada said the service condemned in strong terms such disorderly act of their officers in a viral video showing the clash that occurred at the AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office.

The chief superintendent of customs said the service can never tolerate actions that would jeopardise its commitment to professionalism and inter-agency collaboration.
The action of the customs officers in particular he said are under investigation, regretted such self-motivated behaviours, assured that due disciplinary measures will be taken to discourage future occurrences.

The release titled, Re: Viral Video of Customs Officers in Confrontation with vehicle inspection Officers(VIO) partly read: “Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media showing some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a confrontation with Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). The NCS acknowledges that the event occurred on Friday, 24 May 2024, at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office. The officers involved in this regrettable incident are NCS personnel attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks, Abuja.
“The Service wishes to express its deepest concern and empathy for those affected by this regrettable incident. Furthermore, the NCS unequivocally dissociate itself from the actions of these officers. Their condemned behaviour, which appears to be self-motivated, is under thorough investigation, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to forestall future occurrences.”

The service however frowned at any act capable of jeopardising its commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation even as it remains steadfast towards generation of revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to give Nigerian economy strong footing