… as CGC Adeniyi declares zero tolerance for economic sabotage
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769,533,666 along the Kano/Jigawa axis, following intelligence-led enforcement operations to curb cargo diversion and protect government revenue.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizures at a press briefing in Kano on Friday, December 19, 2025. He said the interceptions, recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, were the result of sustained efforts to identify and dismantle organised cargo diversion networks.
Adeniyi described cargo diversion as a serious economic crime with far-reaching implications for national revenue, security, and Nigeria’s reputation in global trade. He stressed that the Service would continue to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders involved in such practices.
Items recovered from the containers include 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 goods are prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
The Comptroller General disclosed that one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, while two containers of medical consumables have been forfeited to the federal government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on December 10, 2025.
He further 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, a ruling Adeniyi said would serve as a strong deterrent to others.
To enhance monitoring of transit cargo nationwide, Adeniyi announced the near-complete deployment of electronic container tracking devices, which provide real-time monitoring, route compliance, and tamper alerts from seaports to inland destinations.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, the Comptroller General warned that smugglers and their collaborators would face xxx to see, forfeiture of goods, and loss of trading privileges.
He urged importers, agents, and logistics operators to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and report suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.