The Nigerian Customs Service has arrested 16 persons for allegedly hacking into its computer system.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Abdullahi Inde Dikko disclosed this at an interactive session held at the Federal Operation (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos at the weekend to mark the end of his tour of customs formations in the Lagos area to flag off the pre-arrival assessment report (PAAR).

He added that the suspects claimed online to be in charge of customs auctions, thereby defrauding unsuspecting members of the public of millions of naira.

The Custom’s boss stated that the suspects have also attempted to impersonate the Office of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and demanded for money from members of the public.

Dikko warned that the organisation would deal ruthlessly with any person or group arrested in connection with this crime.

He added that the agency is aware of cyber crimes and is prepared for those who may want to go into it.

He disclosed that five of the suspects arrested in Imo State are currently standing trial in the state, while the remaining eight were arrested in Lagos and are also facing the law. He said the suspects were charged to court for allegedly opening and running Facebook accounts for the Customs Service, or for the office and person of the CGC.