The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769,533,666 in the Kano-Jigawa Area Command. This operation was conducted as part of an intelligence-driven enforcement initiative aimed at curbing cargo diversion and protecting government revenue.
During a press briefing in Kano on Friday, 19 December 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, provided details of the operation.
He explained that the seizures, which took place between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, are part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to detect and dismantle organised cargo diversion networks.
According to the Comptroller-General, cargo diversion is a significant threat to national revenue, security, and Nigeria’s reputation within the global trading system.
“Cargo diversion is a serious offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s standing in international commerce. The Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to employ all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders,” he stated.
Adeniyi noted that the inspected containers contained various items, including vitrified tiles unlawfully diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone, valued at ₦228.6 million, as well as diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water.
He pointed out that some of the seized items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
The Comptroller-General further revealed that while one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal procedures, two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgement delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on 10 December 2025.
He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam for the offence of container diversion.
According to him, the offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a development Adeniyi described as a strong deterrent against future violations.
To enhance transit cargo monitoring, the Comptroller-General announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices. He noted that this system enables real-time monitoring, route compliance, and tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations.
The CGC reaffirmed its commitment to service, trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, warning that smugglers and their collaborators will face prosecution, forfeiture, and loss of trading privileges.
Importers, agents, and logistics operators were urged to adhere strictly to approved transit procedures and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
