Customs Seizes 20 Diverted Containers Worth ₦769.5m

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers valued at ₦769.5 million, in a major crackdown on cargo diversion across the Kano–Jigawa axis.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kano, describing the seizures as part of intelligence-driven operations to protect government revenue and national security.

“Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s standing in international commerce,” Adeniyi said.

“The Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders.”

A statement on Sunday by Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the CGC explained that the seizures were made between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, following sustained efforts to dismantle organised cargo diversion networks operating within the region.

According to Customs, the seized containers held a wide range of goods, including vitrified tiles illegally diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water.

Customs said the vitrified tiles alone had a Duty Paid Value of ₦228.6 million, while some of the seized items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET).

Adeniyi disclosed that two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment of the Federal High Court, Kano Division, delivered on December 10, 2025.

One other container, he added, remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes.

He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion.

“The offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, and this should serve as a strong deterrent to others,” Adeniyi said.

To strengthen monitoring of transit cargo, the Customs boss announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices, noting that the system allows real-time tracking, route compliance, and tamper alerts from seaports to inland destinations.

Reaffirming the Service’s resolve, Adeniyi warned that economic saboteurs and their collaborators will face prosecution, forfeiture of goods, and loss of trading privileges.

He urged importers, clearing agents and logistics operators to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and report suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office