Juliet Jacob 
KANO, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intensified its crackdown on cargo diversion and economic sabotage following the interception of 20 diverted transit containers valued at ₦769.5 million in the Kano/Jigawa axis.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures were recorded through intelligence-led enforcement operations carried out between the second and fourth quarters of 2025.
According to him, the operation exposed organised networks involved in diverting transit cargo, a practice he described as a serious threat to 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.”
The seized containers were discovered to contain a range of goods, including vitrified tiles diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a Duty Paid Value (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 items, Customs noted, fall under prohibited imports as outlined in the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.
Adeniyi disclosed that while one container is still under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, two containers of medical consumables have already been forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on 10 December 2025.
“This conviction sends a clear message that there will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs,” the Customs boss said.
To prevent future diversions, Adeniyi announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices, explaining that the technology allows for real-time monitoring, route compliance, and tamper alerts from seaports to inland destinations.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Koko Maxwella 