Customs Seizes 20 Diverted Containers Worth N769.5m in Kano/Jigawa, CGC Adeniyi Declares No Safe Haven for Economic Saboteurs
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N769,533,666 along the Kano/Jigawa axis, in a major intelligence-led enforcement operation aimed at curbing cargo diversion and protecting government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures during a press briefing in Kano on Friday, 19 December 2025, describing the operation as part of sustained efforts by the Service to dismantle organised cargo diversion syndicates operating within the country.
According to Adeniyi, the interceptions, which took place between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, were the result of coordinated intelligence gathering and targeted enforcement by officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command. He stressed that cargo diversion remains one of the most serious threats to national revenue and border security.
“Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s credibility within the global trading system,” the Comptroller-General said. “The Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders.”
Details of the seizures revealed that the containers held a wide range of goods, including consignments of vitrified tiles unlawfully diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a DPV of N228.6 million.
Other items discovered include diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water. Some of the seized items fall under prohibited imports in line with the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
The CGC further disclosed that while one container remains under detention pending the completion of legal proceedings, two containers loaded with medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on 10 December 2025.
In a related development, Adeniyi confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of one Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. The convicted offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a N3 million fine.
The Comptroller-General described the conviction as a clear warning and a strong deterrent to individuals and syndicates involved in economic sabotage.
As part of measures to further tighten transit cargo control nationwide, Adeniyi announced the near-complete deployment of electronic container tracking devices across the country.
He explained that the technology allows for real-time monitoring of containers, ensures route compliance, and triggers alerts in cases of tampering or unauthorised deviation from approved routes.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, the CGC warned that smugglers and their collaborators would face stiff consequences, including prosecution, forfeiture of goods, and the loss of trading privileges.
He urged importers, clearing agents, and logistics operators to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Customs formation, stressing that cooperation from stakeholders remains critical to safeguarding the nation’s economy.
