Connect with us

Latest News

Legislators Probe Customs, Military Over Alleged Smuggling And Human Rights Violations

Published

on

The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Customs and Excise, along with Defence, to conduct a joint inquiry into the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the nation’s borders. This move follows allegations suggesting the service’s involvement in smuggling and reports of brutality against Nigerian citizens.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The investigation will also focus on the role of military personnel in Customs patrols, ensuring that their actions align with legal standards and respect for human rights.

The committees are tasked with recommending measures to improve oversight, accountability, and efficiency within the Customs Service to restore public trust and safeguard Nigeria’s economic and national security interests. They are expected to report their findings in six weeks.

This action follows reports of widespread smuggling, including goods and arms entering Nigeria through its borders, with Customs officers and other security personnel allegedly facilitating these activities.

Rep. Sesi Whingan presented a motion urging immediate investigation, highlighting Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which mandates the NCS to collect revenue, prevent smuggling, and secure Nigeria’s borders. However, Whingan claimed recent reports point to Customs officers enabling such illegal activities instead of fulfilling their duties.

The lawmaker referenced a report from Sahara Reporters on November 18, 2024, which revealed that over 2,000 vehicles transporting 6,500,000 kg of rice were smuggled through Badagry, allegedly under the supervision of Customs officers. He also cited investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo’s videos showing the involvement of Customs officers in the smuggling network.

Additionally, Whingan raised concerns over Customs officers being implicated in violent incidents against citizens trying to expose smuggling activities. He mentioned a December 1, 2024, incident along the Badagry-Seme Expressway, where two transporters were assaulted by Customs and military personnel for documenting illegal actions.

The lawmaker stressed that smuggling undermines local industries, reduces government revenue, promotes unfair trade, and floods the market with substandard products. He emphasized that the actions of some Customs officers contradict their core responsibilities, erode public trust, and raise serious concerns about the oversight of joint military operations.

Despite these allegations, the NCS has yet to comment on the investigation or the reported incidents. Attempts to reach the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, were unsuccessful.

Whingan also noted that despite multiple checkpoints, particularly in Badagry, Customs officers and other law enforcement personnel reportedly extort traders and overlook smuggling activities at night, exacerbating economic hardship and damaging public trust.

Small businesses, particularly rice farmers and poultry producers, are struggling to compete with the influx of contraband goods, leading to job losses and poverty. Whingan warned that the erosion of law and order in border regions like Badagry threatens community stability and leaves citizens vulnerable.

The lawmaker stressed that the integrity of the NCS is crucial for securing Nigeria’s borders, promoting legitimate trade, and safeguarding the nation’s economy and social welfare. He called for urgent reform to rebuild public trust and preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In February 2024, journalist Fisayo Soyombo released an exposé showing how he successfully smuggled rice into Nigeria from Benin with the assistance of compromised Customs officers. Soyombo’s investigation, based on numerous complaints about border security lapses, revealed how Customs officials provided inside information to smugglers, allowing illegal goods to pass unchecked.

For More InformatioFn And News Update, Join Nivonews Whatsapp Channel With Link Below: httForps://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaV4jB6DuMRgwqnJCF32ber 2 that the VAT sharing model inFor advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a mFor essage to 0901064981For 4 on WhatsAppn Decem the proposed reforms would unfairly benefit Lagos and Rivers states

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

Published

on

Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

Continue Reading

Latest News

‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

Published

on

Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

Continue Reading

Latest News

NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

Published

on

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

Continue Reading

Trending