The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers valued at N769.5 million in duty-paid terms along the Kano/Jigawa Area Command Axis.

In a Sunday statement, the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the seizures resulted from an intelligence-led enforcement operation designed to curb cargo diversion and protect government revenue.

The development was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in Kano on Friday.

Adeniyi said the seizures, carried out between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, form part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to uncover and dismantle organised cargo diversion networks.

The CGC noted that cargo diversion represents a significant threat to national revenue, security, and Nigeria’s standing in the global trading system.

“The NCS has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total duty-paid value of N769.5m across the Kano/Jigawa Area Command axis. Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s standing in international commerce. The NCS will not hesitate to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders,” he stated.

He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. Adam was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment or, alternatively, a N3 million fine—an outcome Adeniyi described as a strong deterrent against future violations.

He emphasised that the seized containers contained a variety of items, “including vitrified tiles illegally diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a duty-paid value of N228.6 million, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water. Some of these items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff Regulations.”
The NCS chief also disclosed that while one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a Federal High Court judgment in Kano on 10 December 2025.

To enhance transit cargo monitoring, the Comptroller-General announced the near-nationwide rollout of electronic container tracking devices.
Adeniyi explained that the system allows for real-time monitoring, ensures route compliance, and sends 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 will face prosecution, asset forfeiture, and revocation of trading privileges.