By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a major enforcement breakthrough with the interception of 20 diverted transit containers valued at a total Duty Paid Value of ₦769,533,666 across the Kano/Jigawa axis, reinforcing its resolve to dismantle organised cargo diversion networks and protect government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures during a press briefing in Kano on Friday, 19 December 2025, explaining that the interceptions were the outcome of sustained, intelligence-driven operations carried out between the second and fourth quarters of the year.
According to the Customs boss, the containers were unlawfully diverted while in transit, a practice he described as a grave economic crime with far-reaching implications for national revenue, security, and Nigeria’s credibility in international trade. He warned that the Service would continue to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish those involved in such illicit activities.
“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 stated.
He revealed that the seized containers contained a wide range of items, including vitrified tiles unlawfully diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a Duty Paid Value of ₦228.6 million, as well as diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water. Some of the items, he noted, fall under prohibited imports as stipulated by the Common External Tariff regulations.
Providing further updates on legal actions arising from the seizures, the Comptroller-General disclosed that one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, while 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.
Adeniyi also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of one Abdulrahman Sani Adam for container diversion. The offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a judgment the Customs boss described as a clear and powerful deterrent to others contemplating similar offences.
In a move to further tighten control over transit cargo, 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, ensures strict route compliance, and triggers tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations, thereby significantly reducing opportunities for diversion.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, Adeniyi cautioned smugglers and their collaborators that there would be no safe haven for economic saboteurs. He stressed that offenders would face prosecution, forfeiture of goods, and loss of trading privileges.
He urged importers, clearing agents, and logistics operators to adhere strictly to approved transit procedures and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office, noting that collective vigilance remains critical to safeguarding the nation’s economy.
