NCS Seizes 20 Diverted Containers Worth ₦769.5bn in Kano, Jigawa Axis
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769.53 billion across the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, following intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at curbing cargo diversion and safeguarding government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kano, explaining that the seizures, which occurred between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, were part of sustained efforts to dismantle organised cargo diversion networks.
According to the Comptroller-General, cargo diversion poses a serious threat to national revenue, security and Nigeria’s credibility within the global trading system.
“Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s standing in international commerce. The Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders,” Adeniyi said.
The seized containers were found to contain various 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 seized items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
The Comptroller-General further disclosed that while one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on 10 December 2025.
He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution and conviction of one Abdulrahman Sani Adam for the offence of container diversion. The offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, which Adeniyi described as a strong deterrent against future violations.
To strengthen transit cargo monitoring nationwide, the Comptroller-General announced the near-complete deployment of electronic container tracking devices, noting that the system enables real-time monitoring, route compliance and tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to 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 strictly adhere to approved transit procedures and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
