The Nigeria Customs Service has issued a strong warning to the public over a growing wave of online fraud schemes falsely linked to the agency, including fake recruitment exercises and auction offers.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed that scammers have increasingly impersonated top customs officials across social media platforms, deceiving unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of employment and auction opportunities.
“We are deeply concerned about the proliferation of fraudulent accounts using the identities of the Comptroller-General, the National PRO, and even some retired senior officers,” Maiwada said. “These accounts are used to lure people into believing they are engaging with legitimate recruitment or auction processes.”
Maiwada stressed that the agency does not conduct such exercises via social media, describing the activities as “criminal acts intended to mislead and extort the public while tarnishing the image of the Customs Service.”
As part of efforts to tackle the growing menace, Maiwada disclosed that the NCS recently apprehended a suspect identified as Mr. Okoli Okana Boniface. He was reportedly manipulating the recruitment process while falsely presenting himself as a special assistant to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“The case was promptly reported and investigated by the Customs Police Unit. Findings revealed it was a calculated attempt to compromise the integrity of our recruitment exercise,” he stated. “His arrest demonstrates our commitment to protecting the credibility of our processes and ensuring that no individual manipulates them for personal gain.”
He further noted that investigations are ongoing to trace and dismantle similar fraudulent operations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its zero-tolerance stance on fraud. We will continue to expose and prosecute those involved in these deceptive schemes,” he asserted.
Maiwada urged citizens to disregard unsolicited offers and announcements on job openings or auctions not directly communicated through verified Customs channels.
“We encourage Nigerians to confirm any information regarding recruitment or auctions from our official platforms. Rely only on credible sources to avoid falling victim to scammers,” he said.
He reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to safeguarding its operations and maintaining public trust. “We are fully committed to rooting out fraud and protecting the integrity of our institution,” Maiwada concluded.
