The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that it distributed poisoned seized rice that led to multiple deaths, including that of a soldier in Badagry.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, The command, described the allegations as “entirely false, misleading, and unfounded,” noting that no such incident occurred within its Area of Responsibility (AoR) or among its personnel.

The rumour alleged that rice seized and distributed by the Command had been released without the knowledge of its purported owner, who allegedly invoked “traditional powers” in retaliation, supposedly causing deaths among recipients.

The Command categorically denied any such incident, dismissing it as a fabrication designed to incite fear and damage the reputation of security agencies.

“The Command has always adhered to NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disposing of seized goods, which is guided by transparency, due process, and strict adherence to extant laws and guidelines.

“It is instructive to say that no incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS,” he stated.
He condemned individuals who spread false information, stressing that such reports were “baseless, fictitious and malicious” and run contrary to the ethical responsibility of the press to inform the public truthfully.

The Command urged the public to disregard the story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite public panic or undermine the credibility of the nation’s border enforcement institutions working tirelessly to safeguard the nation.

Sulaiman said the Command remains committed to its mandate of revenue generation, suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade professionally and responsibly in accordance with extant government fiscal policies and laws