The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has issued an official statement clarifying that a video circulating on social media showing its operatives involved in a shooting incident is not recent but dates back to 2019.

NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, released the statement on Tuesday to address misconceptions about the timing of the incident, which some online platforms had portrayed as a recent occurrence.

"The NCS wishes to categorically state that the incident in question occurred on Sunday, 17 February 2019, and is not a recent development, as portrayed by some online platforms," Maiwada explained.

Incident Details and Actions Taken

According to the statement, the incident took place at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State. The Customs Service emphasized that immediate steps were taken at the time to address the situation in accordance with their internal procedures.

"Following the ugly occurrence at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State, the Service took immediate steps to address the situation in line with its internal procedures," the statement read.

The NCS further detailed that a public statement was issued shortly after the 2019 incident, and a disciplinary panel was established to thoroughly investigate the matter. The investigation resulted in appropriate sanctions, including the dismissal of officers found culpable in the shooting.

This clarification comes amid growing concerns over the conduct of security operatives in Nigeria, with social media often serving as a platform for highlighting such incidents. The NCS's prompt response aims to provide context and prevent misinformation regarding the timing and handling of the incident.

The resurfacing of old incidents as new events on social media has become increasingly common, often leading to public confusion and unnecessary tension. The Customs Service's clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity and timeline of such content before sharing.