The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been accused of negligence following the reported kidnapping and brutal torture of three suspected informants by unidentified smugglers. The incident, which was revealed by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, suggests that the smugglers tracked down the informants after their identities were allegedly exposed by Customs officials.
Video evidence shared by Soyombo showed the victims being subjected to severe beatings by the assailants in an uncompleted building. The informants, visibly bloodied and battered, were coerced into admitting their role in providing intelligence to Customs. One of the victims, stripped and bleeding, was heard groaning in pain while a smuggler accused him of contacting the authorities. Another victim, staggering as if about to lose consciousness, admitted to being a Customs informant and detailed his involvement in a recent operation.
According to Soyombo, the victims had provided critical intelligence to Customs, leading to the seizure of smuggled rice and petrol in Oja-Odan between November 12 and 13. However, their exposure allegedly left them vulnerable to retaliation by the smugglers. Soyombo added that he could not confirm whether the victims were alive or dead following the brutal assault.
When approached for a response, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada dismissed the allegations, declining to engage with Soyombo’s claims. Maiwada stated that he would not comment on “social media allegations” and refused to confirm or deny the allegations of negligence.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians criticizing the lack of protection for whistleblowers. A security strategist, Akin Adeyi, condemned the situation, saying, “The government’s flawed system protects insiders but exposes those who report criminal activities.”
Soyombo, who has reportedly received threats to his life from both Customs officers and smugglers, expressed concerns about the dangers of whistleblowing in Nigeria. He alleged that Customs officials seemed more aggrieved by his exposé than the smugglers.
The allegations have raised questions about the integrity of Customs operations and the safety of informants critical to combating smuggling and corruption. Many are calling for an urgent and transparent investigation into the claims to ensure accountability and the protection of future whistleblowers.
