Nigeria Customs Service Denies Allegations of Aiding Rice Smugglers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has firmly denied allegations made by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who accused customs officers of facilitating the smuggling of a large rice consignment from Benin Republic into Nigeria.

The controversy arose after Soyombo claimed on social media that over 130,000 kilograms of rice were illegally transported across the Ogun State border with the assistance of certain customs officials.

Soyombo detailed that the rice was allegedly moved in over 2,000 cars, each carrying approximately 65 bags of rice, from Bebe in Benin Republic to Sango, Ogun State.

He further alleged that some vehicles entered Sango from the toll gate by driving against traffic, posing risks to other road users, while others took alternative routes through Ifo and Oju-Ore-Ota, supposedly with customs officers' knowledge or assistance.

Responding to these serious accusations, Abdullahi Maiwada, the national public relations officer of the NCS, dismissed Soyombo’s claims as "cheap blackmail." Maiwada questioned the journalist's motives, suggesting that Soyombo might have acted prematurely.

"Why could he not wait for the crime to be committed before shouting wolves where there is none?" Maiwada remarked, emphasizing the NCS's dedication to combating smuggling activities.

Maiwada assured the public that the NCS is fully committed to enforcing Nigerian laws and is prepared to take decisive action against any smuggling operations and their collaborators.

He also hinted at the presence of individuals he described as "disgruntled and/or sponsored," who allegedly masquerade as concerned citizens but may actually aid smuggling gangs themselves.