The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has seized 20 containers that were illegally diverted, with a total Duty Paid Value of N769.53 million, at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Customs House in Kano.
He said the seizures were recorded between the second and fourth quarters of 2025 as part of stricter enforcement against cargo diversion.
Adeniyi explained that the containers were originally meant for inland terminals and Free Trade Zones but were diverted illegally.
He said the action violated Section 64(b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
According to him, cargo diversion causes revenue losses for the government and also creates serious security risks for the country.
Customs recover goods in containers
The seized goods include seven containers of vitrified tiles valued at N228.58m and two containers of diesel engine oil worth N87.56m.
There were also two containers of polyester materials with a duty value of N77.99m and one container of used clothing valued at N48.42m.
Other items seized include four containers of printed and lace fabrics worth N226.15m, one container of prohibited Zamzam bottled water valued at N21.46m, and three containers of medical consumables and lace fabrics worth N25.2m.
Customs prepare legal actions
Adeniyi said two containers carrying medical items were forfeited to the Federal Government following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on December 10, 2025.
He added that one container of printed fabrics valued at N75 million is still being held while legal processes are completed.
The Customs boss also revealed that a suspect, Abdulrahman Sani Adam, was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison with an option of a N3 million fine.
Adeniyi warns importers
Adeniyi said the Service is deploying electronic tracking devices nationwide to better monitor container movements.
He warned that anyone involved in cargo diversion, including Customs officers, would face prosecution, forfeiture of goods, and strict disciplinary action.
He urged importers and freight forwarders to follow Customs transit rules, stressing that the NCS supports legal trade but has zero tolerance for smuggling and cargo diversion.
