The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise as well as Defence to investigate the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) over smuggling activities, allegations of complicity, and incidents of brutality.

The committees are to assess the role of military personnel in Customs patrols and recommend measures to enhance accountability and efficiency within six weeks. The resolution followed a motion by Hon. Sesi Whingan, who cited investigative reports revealing mass smuggling of 2,000 cars and 6,500,000kg of rice through Badagry, allegedly under the watch of Customs officers.

Hon. Whingan noted that smuggling undermines local industries, reduces government revenue, and promotes unfair trade practices, while the actions of some Customs officers erode public trust and violate their mandate. In a separate motion, Hon. Bily Osawaru raised concerns about “one chance” criminal activities in the FCT, where victims are hypnotized, robbed, assaulted, and abandoned.

The House urged the Inspector General of Police and security agencies to enhance surveillance and apprehend culprits. It also mandated banks and FinTech operators to cooperate in tracing fraudulent accounts and assisting victims promptly.

Additionally, the House called on the Federal Government to shut down illegal loan companies used by criminals, and directed the FCT Minister to revive Abuja Urban Mass Transit buses to provide reliable transportation services, extending operations to 9:30 pm daily.