The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total Duty Paid Value of ₦769.53 million across the Kano/Jigawa axis in intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing cargo diversion and protecting government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a press briefing in Kano on Friday, December 19, 2025.
He said the seizures, recorded between the second and fourth quarters of the year, were part of sustained enforcement actions aimed at dismantling organized cargo diversion networks.
Adeniyi described cargo diversion as a serious economic crime that threatens national revenue, compromises security, and undermines Nigeria’s credibility in the global trade arena. He warned that the Service would deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders, adding that there would be no haven for economic saboteurs.
According to the CGC, the seized containers contained assorted 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 items are listed as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
He further revealed that one container is still 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 December 10, 2025.
The CGC also 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 development Adeniyi said would serve as a strong deterrent to others.
To strengthen transit cargo monitoring nationwide, Adeniyi announced the near-complete deployment of electronic container tracking devices, which enable real-time monitoring, route compliance, and tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, warning that smugglers and their collaborators would face prosecution, forfeiture, and loss of trading privileges.
Importers, agents, and logistics operators were urged to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and report suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
