The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted suspected smuggled precious metals valued at ₦116.28 million at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, while also reaffirming its commitment to deeper security and trade collaboration with key national institutions.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, handed over 22.80 kilogrammes of suspected silver bars and a suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano following the seizure.
Adamu said the interception occurred during routine baggage screening when officers flagged a passenger’s luggage for secondary inspection.
“During non-intrusive scanning, one of the passengers’ luggage items was selected for further examination. Upon physical inspection, officers discovered 22.80kg of suspected silver bars concealed in the baggage, with an estimated value of ₦116,280,000,” he stated.
The suspect, who holds a Republic of Sudan passport, was scheduled to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates at the time of the interception. According to Customs, he claimed the items were sourced from the Niger Republic but failed to provide the necessary export documentation or evidence of declaration.
Adamu described the unlawful movement of regulated items across borders as a breach of statutory provisions, noting that the case was transferred to the EFCC due to its financial implications and the Commission’s mandate.
Receiving the suspect, EFCC Kano Zonal Director Friday Ebelo commended Customs officers for their professionalism and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
Beyond enforcement, the Command has intensified collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to boost security operations and streamline trade facilitation.
Adamu reiterated this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the 403 Flying Training School, Uchenna Ihediwa, stressing that all security institutions share a common national objective.
“We are serving one country and one national interest. Whether in trade facilitation, revenue generation, enforcement, or border security, our goal is to strengthen the economy and protect national sovereignty,” he said.
He explained that modern Customs administration extends beyond revenue collection to include trade facilitation, fiscal policy implementation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade data generation for national planning.
The Command, he added, oversees strategic trade corridors and facilities such as the Dala Inland Dry Port and the Maigatari international border. He disclosed that in 2025, the Command generated over ₦101 billion in revenue, exceeding its annual target by 5.71 per cent.
“That performance was driven by stakeholder engagement, improved compliance, operational discipline, and strategic resource deployment,” Adamu said.
He emphasised that effective coordination among security agencies is crucial in tackling emerging threats, describing inter-agency synergy as essential in today’s security landscape.
In a separate engagement with the Shippers’ Council’s North-West Zonal Director, Isah Audu, Adamu described Customs–Council relations as strategic to ensuring efficient cargo clearance and facilitating legitimate trade, assuring stakeholders of ongoing digital reforms and improved network infrastructure.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating lawful trade while maintaining strict enforcement measures to protect national revenue and economic stability.
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