ABDULLAHI MAIWADA Assistant Comptroller of Customs National Public Relations Officer for Comptroller-General of Customs, a Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled to take place in July, 2025 as part of the ongoing NCS recruitment exercise, currently circulating on social media and other messaging platforms, is fake .

In a statement on Sunday, MAIWADA categorically stated that the said press release is fraudulent, misleading, and did not emanate from the Nigeria Customs Service.

The statement reads:

At no time did the Service issue any such announcement regarding a CBT slated to take place in July 2025.

Upon close scrutiny, it is clear that the fake statement contains several discrepancies, particularly in its formatting.

The e-signature format differs from our official standard and the recruitment timeline mentioned shows a faulty structure that is not connected to any legitimate process.

The Nigeria Customs Service understands the interest of many Nigerians in its ongoing recruitment process and urges the public not to engage with, share, or act upon such unverified content.

Authentic information about NCS activities, including its ongoing recruitment exercises, will be published only on our official website, verified social media platforms, and recognised national newspapers.

The Service is taking steps to trace the origin of this false information and will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable.

When the Service is set to begin the next phase of the recruitment process, the public will be duly notified through appropriate channels.

The NCS deeply appreciates the vigilance of concerned Nigerians. We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the public from misinformation, ensuring all our processes uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity.”

The Oyo State Police Command has issued a security alert ahead of the July 7 Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity), popularly known as the Black Axe cult group.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesman, SP Adewale Osifeso, warned that intelligence reports indicate the possibility of violent reprisals and large-scale mayhem by rival cult groups during the event.

The police said intelligence-led operations and community engagements have revealed that the Neo-Black Movement may use the occasion to carry out attacks, potentially triggering serious public disorder across parts of the state.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and order.

“As part of our proactive security measures, the Police Command has conducted multiple sensitisation sessions with key stakeholders, including hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments, to emphasise the importance of refusing to make their facilities available for hosting gatherings associated with cult groups known for violent activities.

“The safety of all residents remains our highest priority.

We therefore call on parents, guardians, community leaders, and influential figures to collaborate with law enforcement in mitigating these risks.

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has approved an increment in the monthly state allowance for corps members serving in the state from N5,000 to N20,000.

Mr Eno made the announcement on Friday during the state delivery meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.The increment will take effect from Aug. 1st.

The governor said that the increment was to support the Federal Government’s N77,000 monthly allowance, toward helping corps members meet their basic needs.“

More than 10, 000 corps members are posted to Akwa Ibom annually. We must continue to encourage and support them,” Mr Eno said.

It would be recalled that the governor, last week, approved the reconstruction of the NYSC orientation camp at Ikot Itie Idung, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members in the state.

(NAN)