Customs investigates officers’ scuffle with VIO operatives

The Nigeria Customs Service has condemned a fight between its officers and operatives of the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Abuja.

NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

SolaceBase reports that a video went viral showing Customs officers and VIO operatives in a free-for-all fight at AYA roundabout with gunshots fired in the air allegedly by one of the Customs officers.

Reacting to the incident, Maiwada said the service has commenced an investigation into the matter.

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“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 dissociates 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.

“It is essential to state that this incident contradicts the values and operational standards of the NCS. Such behavior undermines one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which is to foster collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.

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“The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team, strongly condemn such conduct and does not tolerate any actions that jeopardise the commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation. The Service remains steadfast in its mission to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to support a more robust and secure economy for all Nigerians,” the statement reads.