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Officials of NCS Accused of Violations of Extant Laws in Auctioning Process

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Officials of NCS Accused of Violations of Extant Laws in Auctioning Process

By: Michael Mike

The President of the Association of Licensed Auctioneers of Nigeria, Musa Kurra, has accused officials of the Nigeria Customs Service of engaging in widespread impunity and violating extant laws in disposal of seized goods and containers.

Kurra made the allegation in a statement on Friday, where he described some of the actions of Customs officers in conducting direct allocations of seized items to politically connected companies and individuals as “the reckless disregard for due process”

The allegation was made against the backdrop of leaked documents which exposed direct allocation and sales of impounded containers to some firms by the NCS.

The allocation letters titled: “Direct Auction Allocation of Containers” were signed by HH Hadison, Comptroller, Special Duties, between April and July 2025.

The letters, which bear the seal of the Nigeria Customs Service Committee on Direct Disposal of General Goods, were issued to multiple private companies approving the allocation of 40-foot containers containing vehicles, prefabricated houses, construction slabs, tiles, hospital equipment, and cartons of goods, at auction fees ranging from N1m to N2m.

A review of at least five separate letters suggests a pattern of manual approvals allegedly linked to insiders within the agency.

Each letter followed a similar format, bearing the same signatory, HH Hadison, fwc, psc(+), Comptroller, Special Duties, and written on the Customs’ letterhead and watermark with the “RESTRICTED” mark.

One of the letters, dated 31 July 2025 and addressed to a company with the code MSMU8098517, approved the release of four containers reportedly containing luxury vehicles, including Lexus RX330s, Lexus ES330s, and a Toyota Highlander, at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. The vehicles were auctioned at a combined fee of N2m.

Another document dated 15 June 2025 approved the disposal of a container marked TCKU0400440, described as a “prefabricated house,” at N2m, while a separate letter from May 2025 allocated a container of “construction slabs” under similar conditions.

Two earlier letters dated 11 and 17 April 2025, respectively, allocated several containers containing “used hospital equipment,” “cartons of drinks,” “Versace bond cement,” “pallets of tiles,” and “packages of steel,” to unnamed companies, also for N1m to N2m each.

In each of the approvals directive was beneficiaries to make payments within five working days and evacuate the containers within 10 working days or risk forfeiture.

The letters also warned that allocations “transferred or sold to third parties shall be at the buyer’s risk.”

One of the letters titled, ‘Direct auction allocation of containers’ read in part, “I am directed to inform you that the Comptroller-General of Customs has allocated the listed containers to your company.

“This approval is in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, section 119, via direct auction sale. The containers shall be released to the beneficiary subject to the following conditions which are designed to ensure transparency and integrity throughout this direct auction allorati process

“Evidence of payment of the Auction Fee and 7.5 per cent VAT of the Auction Fee, all to be made at any duty-collecting bank. You are to pay the following charges in addition to the above.

“Payment of 25 per cent of the auction fee being terminal charges. Payment of 25 per cent of the auction fee, including shipping charges.

“You are to provide evidence of payment within 5 working days upon receipt of this auction allocation letter; otherwise, the allocation will be forfeited. All containers disposed of must be evacuated from the premises within 10 working days after payment or time forfeiture. Furthermore, you are to note the following caveats; Applications for the replacement of allocated containers would not be entertained.

“Any allocation letter transferred or sold by the allottee to a third party shall be at the buyer’s risk.

“Please accept the assurances of the highest esteem and regard of the Comptroller-General of Customs.”

Kurra while alleging an underhand tactics in the auctioning, said the recurring pattern of N2m per container suggests a fixed-fee arrangement inconsistent with the valuation process typically applied during legitimate auctions.

He said: “I don’t know why people choose not to respect the law anymore. The impunity with which the Service is carrying out things now is better imagined,” Kurra said. “I don’t understand what kind of country we are.”

He explained that the Bureau of Public Procurement, which was established by law as the regulatory body overseeing procurement matters, also has oversight responsibility in auction processes since auctions involve public assets and financial transactions.

“You see, there is an agency called the Bureau for Public Procurement. The BPP happens to be the regulatory body in charge of anything that has to do with procurement. An auction has to do with procurement,” he said. “BPP’s Act was promulgated by the National Assembly and assented to by the President.”

Kurra, you hike referencing the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, which he said clearly outlines how confiscated or forfeited assets should be managed and disposed of by any law enforcement agency, explained that: “Under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, all forfeited or seized assets by law enforcement agencies, including Customs, are to be disposed of through transparent processes, either by public auction or sale, supervised by the relevant oversight bodies. The Act prohibits direct allocation or sale of seized items to individuals or organisations outside approved channels, with violations attracting criminal sanctions.

“The POCA Act takes care of everything that concerns dealing with forfeited items. Anything that is a proceed of crime must be valued by a qualified valuer before auctioneers are invited to sell the property,” he explained. “But Customs has been flouting these provisions without remorse.”

According to him, the so-called “direct auction allocations” being carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service are illegal and not backed by any law.

“If they follow due process, we don’t have issues with them,” he said. “But when they flagrantly abuse powers that don’t belong to them, that’s where the problem lies. There is no law anywhere in this country that gives them the right to do what they are doing.”

Kurra alleged that Customs officers have been allocating seized cars and containers at ridiculous prices to cronies and companies linked to senior officials.

“What is happening is that Customs officers are issuing cars and seizing items at lower amounts without any publicised auctioning,” he said. “There was a time the Service allocated 380 vehicles to one company for N3.8 million. Among those vehicles were Prados, Hiluxes, and Benzes, each going for N10,000. This is robbery.”

He also cited another instance where 53 vehicles were allegedly allocated to a single company for N530,000, translating to about N10,000 per vehicle.

“Even a bicycle now cannot sell for N10,000, not to talk of a Prado or a Hilux,” Kurra said. “When we traced some of these deals, we discovered that the companies involved belong to Customs officers and their families.”

The auctioneers’ president called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene, warning that unchecked corruption and illegality within the Customs Service are denying Nigeria significant revenue.

“If the government is serious, they need to checkmate these people,” he said. “The president needs money to work for the people, but instead of generating it lawfully through Customs and other agencies, some individuals are enriching themselves.”

Kurra argued that the current situation leaves Customs as both the seizing authority, the valuer, and the auctioneer, a process he described as lawless and self-serving.

“In the case of Customs, they seize, they value, they auction, all by themselves. So, who is regulating them? Nobody,” he lamented. “There is a law guiding these things, but they ignore it. It’s time the government steps in to restore sanity
End

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Military

Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS

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3 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

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Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS

By Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said that the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to national security, inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development across the country.

Shaibu made the remarks while addressing dignitaries during activities marking the inauguration of the newly established military training institution in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

According to the Army Chief, the depot, which is the first primary recruit training institution of the Nigerian Army in the South-East geopolitical zone, represents a strategic investment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in strengthening national security and promoting equitable distribution of critical national institutions.

“The establishment of this depot reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national security, inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development,” Shaibu said.

He described the inauguration of the facility as a landmark achievement in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army under President Tinubu, noting that it would significantly enhance the Army’s capacity to train professionally competent and combat-ready soldiers.

The COAS disclosed that the first set of recruits trained at the new depot would graduate the following day, describing the event as a historic milestone not only for the institution but also for the evolution of recruit training within the Nigerian Army.

“Their graduation will not only mark the successful completion of basic military training but will also usher in a new chapter in the evolution of recruit training in the Nigerian Army,” he said.

Shaibu explained that since its establishment, the depot had steadily developed into a modern recruit training institution designed to produce disciplined, professional and capable soldiers in line with the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda and long-term strategic vision.

He said the facility forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and expand military capacity to address Nigeria’s dynamic security environment.

The Army Chief expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution and providing the necessary resources for its successful implementation.

He noted that the new depot would not only improve military training capacity but also strengthen the strategic importance of the South-East within Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, locating the institution in Ebonyi State underscores the government’s determination to ensure that all parts of the country benefit from national development initiatives while fostering greater national cohesion.

Shaibu also commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unwavering support towards the establishment and successful take-off of the depot.

He said the state government provided accommodation, logistics and other essential support that contributed significantly to the successful training of the pioneer batch of recruits.

“From facilitating the historic groundbreaking ceremony to providing sustained support for this institution, the governor has demonstrated remarkable patriotism and an enduring commitment to national security,” he said.

The COAS further described the Government and people of Ebonyi State, as well as the entire South-East, as indispensable partners in the establishment and growth of the institution.

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders and residents of the state for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the depot to thrive.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening its partnership with host communities and stakeholders, stressing that sustained collaboration between the military and the people remains critical to enhancing national security and maintaining lasting peace.

According to him, the state’s sustained support demonstrates a strong commitment to national security, peace and development.

The Army Chief further commended traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the State Development Committee, political and religious leaders, and other stakeholders for fostering a peaceful environment that enabled the successful establishment of the Depot.

He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army values its partnership with the state and pledged to continue strengthening collaboration in pursuit of improved security and national development.

The COAS also paid tribute to distinguished retired senior military officers from the region for their contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army.

The establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Ebonyi is widely regarded as one of the landmark military infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration, aimed at expanding recruit training capacity while promoting inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS

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Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno

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3 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

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Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) under Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) informant in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Isa Janyu, 30, was tracked and apprehended at about 7:20 p.m. on July 4 during a targeted intelligence-led operation at Kasuwan Shanu in Monguno town.

According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, a knife, a comb, a mirror, and ₦10,000 in cash.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a native of Arianna Mai Massallachi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area and allegedly specialised in identifying wealthy residents for ISWAP elements to facilitate kidnapping operations for ransom.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and other necessary actions.

Military sources said the arrest was part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks and disrupting the activities of informants providing critical information to insurgent groups in the North-East.

They added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of operational readiness and sustained offensive pressure against terrorist elements.

Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno

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FG Moves to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration as Over 1,000 Nigerians Return from Crisis Routes

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19 hours ago

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July 8, 2026

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FG Moves to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration as Over 1,000 Nigerians Return from Crisis Routes

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled a renewed strategy to curb irregular migration and dismantle human trafficking networks, warning that worsening economic hardship and the growing use of digital platforms by traffickers are exposing more Nigerians, particularly women and young people, to exploitation across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

The renewed commitment came as the government and its international partners marked the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Protection, Reintegration and Assistance to Migrants and Communities (COMPASS) Programme, revealing that more than 1,000 stranded Nigerians have voluntarily returned from countries including Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mali, Egypt, India and the United Arab Emirates, while over 900 vulnerable returnees have received psychosocial care, healthcare and livelihood support to rebuild their lives.

Stakeholders warned that trafficking syndicates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technology, poverty and unemployment to lure desperate Nigerians into dangerous migration routes where many end up trapped in forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.

Speaking at the anniversary event, the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, said migration itself was not the problem but the absence of safe and legal pathways.

She said: “Migration is not the problem. The challenge is ensuring that migration is safe, orderly and regular, while protecting the dignity of every migrant.”

Dimanche said the COMPASS Programme had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s migration governance architecture by improving policies and institutional coordination while placing the protection of migrants at the centre of migration management.

Highlighting the programme’s impact, she recounted the story of “Joy”, a Nigerian woman trafficked abroad and subjected to severe exploitation before returning home traumatised.

According to her, through IOM’s psychosocial support and reintegration programme, Joy rebuilt her life, established a fashion business and now employs several young women.

“Joy is no longer defined by what happened to her. She is defined by what she has become,” Dimanche said, describing the story as evidence that effective reintegration can transform survivors into productive members of society.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro. reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting returning migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities.

He said the government’s “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction” framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to integrate humanitarian assistance with long-term poverty reduction.

“Migration, when properly managed, presents opportunities for national development. We will continue to strengthen institutions, expand livelihood opportunities and ensure that returning migrants are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity.”

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented at the event, by the Director and Special Adviser Administration, Mrs. Erimfolami Ola, warned that women and children continue to bear the greatest burden of irregular migration and human trafficking.

According to her representative, the ministry has worked closely with partners under the COMPASS Programme to facilitate the voluntary return of over 1,000 stranded Nigerians while strengthening institutional responses to trafficking and forced displacement.

She stressed that interventions in Edo State had demonstrated that addressing poverty and unemployment significantly reduces the factors driving irregular migration.

Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by the the Head of Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience, pecial Adviser (Administration), Adedoyin Oyekan, said creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians remains one of the most effective responses to irregular migration.

The ministry pledged to deepen collaboration with IOM and development partners in expanding entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, innovation and employment programmes aimed at discouraging dangerous migration.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, announced plans for a football-based youth initiative that would equip young Nigerians with coaching and life skills while educating communities about the dangers of irregular migration.

He said the programme would empower participants to become community ambassadors for safe migration.

According to the ambassador, “Migration is fundamentally a human issue. Through COMPASS, we are investing not only in stronger institutions but also in protecting people, supporting survivors and preventing others from falling into the hands of traffickers.”

Van Loosdrecht explained that the Netherlands established the COMPASS Programme to consolidate migration support into a coordinated framework capable of providing survivor care, mental health services, institutional strengthening and protection for vulnerable migrants.

Also addressing the gathering, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described the COMPASS Programme as one of Nigeria’s most strategic partnerships in the fight against human trafficking.

She said the initiative had strengthened the agency’s capacity to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases through specialised training for investigators and prosecutors while improving support for victims.

Warning that trafficking networks continue to evolve, Bello said: “Traffickers are adapting to technology, exploiting economic hardship and taking advantage of the aspirations of vulnerable young Nigerians. We must therefore strengthen partnerships among government, international organisations, civil society and communities to stay ahead of these criminal networks.”

The renewed commitment comes amid persistent concerns over the thousands of Nigerians who, in recent years, have embarked on perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of better economic opportunities. Many have perished, while others have been rescued from detention camps, trafficking rings and exploitative labour conditions abroad.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that while stronger law enforcement remains essential, tackling poverty, unemployment and social vulnerability is critical to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and sustaining Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking.

FG Moves to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration as Over 1,000 Nigerians Return from Crisis Routes

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