Customs Warns Nigerians Against Fake Recruitment, Auction Scams

Last updated: Jun 21, 2025. 3:19 pm

By Praise Ben

3 Min Read

Customs Warns Nigerians Against Fake Recruitment

Customs Warns Nigerians Against Fake Recruitment, Auction Scams.
One arrested for impersonation, linked to First Lady.
Public urged to use only official NCS platforms.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised alarm over a surge in online scams involving fake recruitment and auction offers falsely linked to the agency.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, June 20, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, cautioned the public to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to fraudsters impersonating customs officials on social media platforms.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Maiwada revealed that several fake accounts have emerged online, using the names and photos of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the National PRO, and even retired senior officers to promote bogus job and auction opportunities. He categorically stated that the NCS does not conduct recruitment or auctions via social media, describing such activities as criminal attempts to mislead Nigerians and tarnish the service’s image.

“We have seen an alarming increase in fraudulent activities by individuals posing as top customs officials. These actions are designed to deceive and defraud innocent citizens,” Maiwada said.

As part of the agency’s crackdown on such schemes, Maiwada disclosed that the NCS recently arrested one Mr. Okoli Okana Boniface for allegedly manipulating the recruitment process while falsely presenting himself as an aide to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He confirmed that the case was reported and investigated by the Customs Police Unit, which found it to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the recruitment exercise.

The arrest, according to Maiwada, showcases the service’s commitment to integrity and its zero-tolerance policy towards fraud. He urged the public to verify all information through the NCS’s official communication channels and avoid unverified sources.