The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a stern warning to the public over a surge in fraudulent recruitment and auction schemes circulating on social media platforms, describing them as calculated efforts to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

At a press briefing held at the NCS headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the national public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the agency has uncovered several fake online accounts impersonating top officials, including the Comptroller-General of Customs and other senior officers, both serving and retired.

“We have observed a disturbing rise in fake accounts bearing the names and images of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the national PRO, and retired senior officers, all falsely claiming to offer jobs and auction opportunities,” Maiwada told journalists.

He emphasised that the NCS does not engage in recruitment or auctioning of goods through social media, adding that any such claims are fraudulent and should be disregarded by members of the public.

The warning comes following the arrest of one Okoli Boniface, who was apprehended on June 16 for allegedly impersonating an aide to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and attempting to manipulate the customs recruitment process.

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

The spokesman said the arrest is a clear demonstration of the agency’s zero tolerance for corruption and fraud, and he reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to maintaining transparency in all its operations.

He urged Nigerians to rely solely on the official channels of the NCS for credible information regarding recruitment and auctions. These include the service’s verified website and social media accounts.

“The public must remain vigilant. When in doubt, verify. Do not fall victim to people looking to exploit your trust for financial gain,” Maiwada added.

The NCS said it would continue working with law enforcement to track, expose and prosecute fraudsters using its identity to scam citizens.