‘We’re Investigating Alleged Maltreatment of Persons Within Our Command’ – Kayode

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command says it has commenced investigation into alleged maltreatment of certain individuals within the area command.

While condemning and expressing  regret about the alleged incident, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Kayode Kolade in a statement said he has given instruction for a thorough investigation of the incident, assuring that any officer fingered in the matter would face necessary sanction, even as he described the incident as a direct conflict to what the service stands for.

The statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi pjsc, quoted the CAC as saying that the action is unacceptable.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has commenced an investigation into an incident in a viral video where some officers attached to the command were seen maltreating some public members.

“The Command wishes to express its deepest empathy for the affected public members and wishes to equally condemn in strong terms such unethical conduct. It is essential to state that the action of these officers contradicts the value and operational standard of the Service.

“The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Kayode Kolade, has directed that those officers be withdrawn and be interrogated to facilitate decisive disciplinary measures against whoever is found culpable. He further assured the general public that the outcome of the investigative panel would be made public when concluded.”

Comptroller Kayode assured members of the public and the border community to go about their businesses without any fear of molestation.

“While calling on the stakeholders and public plying the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor to go about their lawful activities, the CAC assured that the Command remains committed to creating a safe and conducive atmosphere for Legitimate trade to thrive.”