ZAINAB JUNAID
Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Kaduna, has apprehended one Abubakar Ibrahim, age 28 years, for impersonating as a personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) and defrauding innocent Nigerians on the social media.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Isah Sulaiman for the Area Controller, the fraudster was arrested on 29 April, 2024 at Next level hotel in Sokoto State by Operatives of the Unit and the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command.
According to the statement, “After a period of trailing and investigation, the operatives of Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ relying on robust intelligence and collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command arrested Mr Abubakar Ibrahim on 29 April 2024 at Next level hotel in Sokoto State.
“The suspect was arrested in Nigeria Customs Service uniform and was handed over to the Customs Police Unit, Sokoto/Zamfara Command for discreet investigation. He will be arraigned in Court in line with the extant laws.”
Speaking on the development, the Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu appreciated the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command, for their cooperation and swift response leading to the arrest of the culprit.
Shuaibu urged members of the public to disregard any social media account requesting money for recruitment or auction as the Service does not collect money for such exercises. He reiterated the Unit’s commitment in arresting and prosecuting fraudulent elements who parade themselves as Officers or Men of the Nigeria Customs Service on social media and other platforms
The Comptroller advised members of the public to follow only verified social media accounts of the NCS with the blue tick like Nigeria Customs Service on Facebook, @CustomsNG on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms including a recently created WhatsApp Channel.
Comptroller Shuaibu added that members of the public should feel free to visit the nearest Public Relations Unit of any Customs Command for clarification on any issue concerning the Service.
