The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769.53 million across the Kano-Jigawa axis, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on cargo diversion.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi made this known during a press briefing in Kano, Northwest Nigeria.
Adeniyi describing the operation as the outcome of sustained, intelligence-driven enforcement efforts aimed at dismantling organised diversion syndicates operating within the nation’s trade corridors.
According to the CGC, “the seizures recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, highlight the growing sophistication of cargo diversion networks and the Service’s equally evolving surveillance and enforcement capacity.”
“Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and erodes 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 economic saboteurs. There will be no safe haven for offenders.”Comptroller Adeniyi said.
A breakdown of the intercepted consignments revealed a mix of regulated and prohibited 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 contravene provisions of the Common External Tariff (CET), making their importation illegal.
Providing further updates, Adeniyi disclosed that while one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Nigerian Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on December 10, 2025.
The Customs boss also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Abdulrahman Adam for container diversion.
The offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a ruling the CGC described as a clear warning to those involved in illicit trade practices.
To further strengthen monitoring of transit cargo, Adeniyi announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices.
Adeniyi explained that “the technology enables real-time tracking, route compliance enforcement, and instant tamper alerts from seaports to inland destinations, significantly reducing opportunities for diversion.’
Reaffirming the Service’s core mandates of revenue protection, trade facilitation, and border security, the Comptroller-General warned that smugglers and their collaborators would face prosecution, forfeiture of goods, and possible loss of trading privileges.
He urged importers, clearing agents, and logistics operators to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and to report suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
Adeniyi stressed that collective vigilance remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and trade integrity.
Lateefah Ibrahim