Customs parade officer caught in viral extortion video

The Nigeria Customs Service has taken disciplinary action against one of its officers following the circulation of a viral video showing the alleged extortion of a motorist.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

A video posted on the NCS X handle on Friday showed the moment the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was paraded and later handed over to the Customs police unit for further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

The NCS described the incident as a clear case of unprofessional conduct and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct by personnel.

Following the circulation of a viral video depicting unprofessional conduct by patrol officers, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated immediate disciplinary procedures in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct,” a voice-over in the video said.

Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos State, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi, addressed the matter during the parade.

While handing over the implicated officer to the head of the Customs Police Unit, Abdullahi said, “The service wishes to reiterate that officers found culpable of violating ethical standards will be subjected to appropriate sanctions without compromise.

On behalf of the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Controller G.I. Aliu, I hereby hand over the officer to the Head of the Customs Police Unit in Zone A for further investigation and other necessary action.”

The viral video that prompted the action captured the officer demanding up to N200,000 from a motorist.

The motorist was said to have secretly recorded the encounter using AI Meta glasses.

In the recording, the officer, dressed in uniform, was seen engaging the driver over vehicle documents and past clearances while pressing for payment.

The officer told the motorist that he was liable for outstanding vehicle document payments dating back to 2018 and that the accumulated amount had become substantial.

The motorist responded that previous officers usually cleared such issues in Apapa.

The officer then told him to report to the office to retrieve his key.

When the motorist asked how the matter could be resolved, the officer replied, “Go and bring 200,” suggesting a request for a N200,000 bribe.

The motorist was heard replying, “I kill somebody?” before walking away.

It remains unclear whether any money was eventually paid before the vehicle was released.

The development comes amid recurring public complaints about Customs operations on highways, including incidents involving already-cleared goods.