Nigeria Customs Service Warns Public Against Fake Recruitment, Auction Scams on Social Media

Nigeria Customs Service Warns Public Against Fake Recruitment, Auction Scams on Social Media

Abuja, Nigeria – June 20, 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a strong warning to the public over the rising cases of fraudulent recruitment and auction schemes being circulated on social media platforms.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, raised alarm over the increasing activities of impersonators who falsely claim to represent the Service in order to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“We have observed a disturbing rise in fake accounts using the names and photographs of the Comptroller-General, the National PRO, and even retired senior officers. These fraudsters are using these identities to promote non-existent recruitment and auction opportunities,” Maiwada stated.

He stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service does not carry out recruitment or auction processes through social media or unofficial channels. He described the fraudulent acts as deliberate attempts to discredit the agency and exploit vulnerable members of the public.

As part of efforts to curb the menace, Maiwada revealed that the NCS, through its Customs Police Unit, recently apprehended one Mr. Okoli Okana Boniface on June 16, 2025. The suspect allegedly posed as an aide to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in an attempt to manipulate the recruitment process.

“This arrest is a testament to our resolve to protect the integrity of our operations. The investigation confirmed that the suspect’s actions were a calculated effort to undermine our recruitment process,” he added.

Maiwada reaffirmed the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on fraud, warning that further investigations are underway to identify and prosecute others engaged in similar schemes.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and verify all information related to Customs activities through official and verified communication channels.

“We advise the public to disregard any job or auction offers not posted on our official platforms. Relying on unverified sources could lead to serious financial loss and legal consequences,” he cautioned.

Reiterating the position of the Comptroller-General, Maiwada emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigerians from fraud and exploitation.

“The Service will continue to expose and bring to justice those who attempt to deceive or take advantage of the public,” he concluded.