Customs warns Nigerians against fake recruitment, auction scams on social media

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned the public against fake recruitment and auction offers linked to the agency.

Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS national public relations officer, issued the warning on Friday during a press briefing at the service’s headquarters in Abuja.

Maiwada said fraudsters have created fake social media accounts using the identities of the comptroller-general of customs, senior serving and retired officers to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

“We have observed a disturbing rise in fake accounts bearing the names and images of the comptroller-general of customs, the national PRO, and even retired senior officers, all falsely claiming to offer jobs and auction opportunities,” Maiwada said.

He noted that the NCS does not conduct recruitment or auctions via social media, describing such activities as deliberate attempts to defraud Nigerians.

Maiwada said the service recently arrested Okoli Boniface, a suspect, on June 16 for allegedly impersonating an aide to Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, and manipulating the recruitment process.

“The case was promptly reported and thoroughly investigated by the customs police unit. Findings confirmed it was a calculated attempt to compromise the integrity of the recruitment exercise,” he said.

He described the arrest as proof of the agency’s zero-tolerance for fraud while reiterating the service’s commitment to maintaining credibility in its operations.

Maiwada urged the public to verify recruitment and auction information through the service’s official communication channels.

He added that the service would continue to identify, expose and prosecute individuals attempting to compromise its operations.