Nigeria Customs Accused of Smuggling, Recruiting Smugglers

 Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has in recent weeks published different stories of a disturbing trend within the Nigeria Customs Service, such that depicts the guardians (Customs) against smuggling are themselves succumbing to its allure.

Through a documentary of investigative probes, Fisayo has been able to shed light on how the Nigeria Customs Service, an institution tasked with safeguarding the nation’s borders and economy, has been compromised from within. 

Another alarming discovery is the infiltration of the service by individuals with direct ties to smuggling networks. Fisayo’s allegations of the case of Akeem Adigun, alias Socopao, serve as a glaring example of this systemic breakdown. 

According to Fisayo, Adigun, a notorious figure in smuggling circles, had managed to secure positions within the Nigeria Customs Service for his sons, Razak and Bolaji, through bribery. 

He alleged that Adigun leveraged his influence and wealth to bribe his way into the service, effectively placing individuals with intimate ties to smuggling operations in positions of authority.

Such allegations raise profound questions about the integrity and efficacy of the Nigeria Customs Service. The very institution entrusted with combating smuggling and protecting national interests has been compromised, with smugglers donning their uniforms and wielding their authority.

It should be stated that this revelation underscores the pervasive culture of corruption that has entrenched itself within the Nigeria Customs Service.

Fisayo indicated that individuals seeking employment from some years back within the service had resorted to paying exorbitant bribes, with sums reaching as high as N2 million, to secure positions. 

In the face of such damning revelations, Nigerians are left to ponder the value of the Nigeria Customs Service’s existence. If the very institution charged with safeguarding the nation’s borders has been compromised to this extent, what hope remains for stemming the tide of smuggling and protecting national interests?

Good morning, @CustomsNG. How did you, a supposed anti-smuggling agency, stoop to employing smugglers, giving them your uniform and handing them guns?

Smugglers bribing their way through to get Nigeria Customs jobs? Context: this is as consequential as the Police taking bribes…

— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) March 12, 2024

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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