Esther Salifu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that it seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner, who allegedly invoked traditional powers, leading to the deaths of several individuals, including a soldier in Badagry.
In an official statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Isah Sulaiman, described the narrative as “entirely false, misleading, and not reflective of the reality of the matter.”
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation,” Sulaiman stated. “The command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter.”
He further clarified that there has been no incident within the Command’s jurisdiction or among its personnel that supports the claims of deaths resulting from the consumption of seized rice.
The command also condemned individuals behind the dissemination of the story, accusing them of hiding under the guise of journalism to spread misinformation and incite public fear.
“Unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements wearing the garment of journalism (a credible profession) disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of upholding the social responsibility expected of them,” the statement read.
The NCS called on the public to disregard the unfounded story and cautioned against spreading false information capable of undermining the reputation of security agencies working to protect the nation.
