Customs Intercepts 20 Diverted Containers Worth ₦769.5m in Kano–Jigawa Axis

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769.5 million along the Kano–Jigawa axis, dealing a major blow to cargo diversion networks operating in the North-West

The seizure was disclosed during a press briefing in Kano by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who said the interceptions were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations carried out between the second and fourth quarters of 2025. According to the NCS, the containers were originally granted transit status but were illegally diverted from approved routes and, in some cases, from free trade zones. Items recovered from the containers include vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water. Some of the seized goods are listed as prohibited imports under Nigeria’s trade regulations. Customs authorities revealed that two containers of medical supplies have already been forfeited to the Federal Government following a Federal High Court judgment in Kano on December 10, 2025, while one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal proceedings. In a related development, a suspect identified as Abdulrahman Sani Adam was arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for his role in the diversion scheme. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a penalty Customs described as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Adeniyi warned that cargo diversion constitutes a serious economic and security crime, noting that it undermines government revenue, distorts trade processes, and weakens border control. He stressed that the Service would continue to pursue smugglers and their collaborators through arrests, prosecutions, and forfeitures. To prevent future diversions, the NCS announced plans to expand the deployment of electronic container tracking devices, enabling real-time monitoring, route compliance checks, and tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations. The Customs boss urged importers, clearing agents, and logistics operators to comply strictly with approved transit procedures, warning that anyone found aiding diversion would face severe legal consequences.