Agents from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 20 diverted transit containers, with a total value of ₦769.5 million in Duties Paid (DPV), on the Kano/Jigawa corridor, the service announced at a press conference on Friday in Kano.
Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi stated that the seizures resulted from intelligence-based enforcement operations conducted during the second and fourth quarters of the year. He attributed the success to sustained vigilance and targeted actions aimed at dismantling organized cargo diversion networks on major transit routes.
Describing cargo diversion as a serious economic crime, Adeniyi emphasized its profound consequences for national revenue, security, and Nigeria’s credibility in international trade. “Cargo diversion is a serious crime that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s standing in global trade,” he stated. “The Nigerian Customs Service will not hesitate to implement all legal measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders.” The seized containers included vitrified tiles illegally diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone (VLC of 228.6 million ₦), diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and bottled water from Zamzam. Some of these items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
Adeniyi revealed that one container remains detained pending legal proceedings, while two containers loaded with medical supplies were seized by the Federal Government following a ruling by the Kano Federal High Court on December 10, 2025.
The CGC also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. He received a three-year prison sentence or a fine of 3 million Nigerian guaraníes, which Adeniyi described as a strong deterrent against economic sabotage. To improve national cargo transit control, Adeniyi announced the near-complete implementation of electronic container tracking devices across Nigeria, enabling real-time monitoring, route compliance verification, and tamper alerts from ports to domestic destinations.
Reaffirming NCS’s commitment to revenue protection, trade facilitation, and border security, the CGC warned that smugglers and collaborators would face prosecution, confiscation of goods, and loss of trading privileges. Importers, customs brokers, and logistics operators were urged to strictly adhere to approved transit procedures and promptly report suspicious activity.
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