Customs seizes ₦769.5m worth of diverted containers in Kano, Jigawa

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers valued at ₦769.53 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) across the Kano and Jigawa axis, as part of intensified efforts to curb cargo diversion and protect government revenue.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures at the weekend, noting that the interceptions were recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025 through intelligence-driven enforcement operations.

According to Adeniyi, the operation was targeted at dismantling organised syndicates involved in the diversion of transit cargo within the corridor.

“Cargo diversion is a serious offence that undermines government revenue, poses risks to national security and erodes Nigeria’s credibility in international trade. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter and punish offenders,” he said.

He explained that the seized containers contained various items, including vitrified tiles illegally diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a DPV of ₦228.6 million, as well as diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables and Zamzam bottled water. Some of the goods, he added, fall under prohibited imports as stipulated by the Common External Tariff (CET).

Adeniyi disclosed that one container remains under detention pending the completion of legal processes, while two containers of medical consumables have been forfeited to the Federal Government following a ruling by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on December 10, 2025.

He further confirmed the arrest, prosecution and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. The convict was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a judgment the Customs boss described as a strong deterrent to others.

To enhance the monitoring of transit cargo nationwide, the Comptroller-General announced the near-complete deployment of electronic container tracking devices, which he said would allow real-time monitoring, enforce route compliance and trigger tamper alerts from seaports to inland destinations.

Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection and border security, Adeniyi warned that smugglers and their collaborators would face prosecution, forfeiture and loss of trading privileges. He also urged importers, clearing agents and logistics operators to strictly comply with approved transit procedures and report any suspicious activities to Customs authorities.