Customs, soldiers assault residents over video recording

Two residents, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik, were allegedly assaulted by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service and soldiers at a checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Expressway over the weekend. The victims, both transporters, were accused of recording videos to provide information to journalists about smuggling activities.

Olatunbosun explained that while refueling their motorcycle, he instructed his assistant to make a video to update a customer about their location. This act reportedly raised suspicions among the officers, who accused them of working with journalists to expose smuggling routes.

The duo was reportedly dragged to a secluded area, where they were beaten and interrogated. According to Abdelmalik, the officers demanded they disclose the journalists they were allegedly working with. Residents intervened by alerting the police, who rescued the victims.

In response, Abdullahi Hossein, Public Relations Officer of the Seme Border Customs, announced the immediate withdrawal of the implicated officers, stating their actions do not reflect the values of the Nigerian Customs Service. Customs Area Comptroller, Kayode Kolade, has directed a full investigation, promising that findings will be made public and disciplinary actions taken.

The Customs Command condemned the incident and reassured the public of its commitment to ethical practices and the promotion of safe trade activities along the corridor.