Customs Intercepts 20 Diverted Containers Valued at ₦769.5m in Kano, Vows Crackdown on Cargo Diversion
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769.53 million across the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, as part of intensified intelligence-led enforcement operations against cargo diversion.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a press briefing in Kano. He said the seizures, recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, were the outcome of sustained efforts to dismantle organised networks involved in the illegal diversion of transit cargo.
Adeniyi described cargo diversion as a major threat to government revenue, national security, and Nigeria’s reputation within the global trading system, stressing that the Service would not tolerate such practices. He affirmed that Customs would continue to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and prosecute offenders involved in economic sabotage.
According to him, the seized containers comprised a wide range of 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. He noted that some of the items fall under prohibited imports as stipulated by the Common External Tariff (CET).
The CGC further revealed that while one container is still under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, two containers of medical consumables have already been forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on December 10, 2025.
Adeniyi also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of one Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. The convict was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, which the CGC said sends a strong warning to others engaged in similar illegal activities.
As part of ongoing reforms to strengthen transit cargo control, the Comptroller-General announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices. He explained that the technology allows for real-time monitoring of containers, route compliance, and instant tamper alerts from seaports to approved inland destinations.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, Adeniyi 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 strictly comply with approved transit procedures and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
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