The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has dismissed reports linking it to the distribution of poisoned rice that allegedly caused multiple deaths, including that of a soldier in Badagry, Lagos.
In a statement on Thursday, May 15, the Command described the circulating narrative as “false, misleading, and entirely baseless.”
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Isah Sulaiman, the rice in question was never released without due process, nor was there any incident involving death after consumption.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter,” Sulaiman said.
Reports had claimed that the Seme Command seized and released rice without informing the supposed owner, who allegedly invoked traditional powers that led to fatalities.
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Reacting, Sulaiman clarified that all seized goods are handled according to the Nigeria Customs Service’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with full respect for legal frameworks and due process.
He also condemned those spreading the story, warning against misinformation.
“Unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements wearing the garment of journalism have chosen to disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious, and malicious accusations,” he added.
The Command urged the public to disregard the rumour and avoid amplifying falsehoods that could create panic or damage the credibility of security institutions.
Led by Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, the Seme Area Command reaffirmed its dedication to revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and the facilitation of lawful trade, in line with national policies and legal standards.