The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769,533,666 across the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, following intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at curbing cargo diversion and protecting government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Kano on Friday, 19 December 2025.
According to him, the seizures—recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025—were part of sustained efforts by the Service to detect, disrupt, and dismantle organised cargo diversion networks operating within the region.
Adeniyi described cargo diversion as a serious economic and security threat to the nation.
“Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s credibility within the global trading system.
The Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders,” he stated.
He revealed that the intercepted containers contained various items, including vitrified tiles unlawfully diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a DPV of ₦228.6 million, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water.
Some of the seized items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
The Comptroller-General further disclosed that one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, while two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on 10 December 2025.
He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of one Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. The offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine—a development the CGC described as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders.
To further enhance transit cargo monitoring nationwide, Adeniyi announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices. He explained that the system provides real-time monitoring, ensures route compliance, and triggers tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, the Comptroller-General warned that smugglers and their collaborators would face prosecution, forfeiture, and loss of trading privileges.
He urged importers, clearing agents, and logistics operators to strictly comply with approved transit procedures and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
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