By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria’s Customs authorities say they have seized 20 diverted transit containers valued at more than ₦769 million, marking one of the largest anti–cargo diversion operations in northern Nigeria this year.

In a statement the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said the containers were intercepted across the Kano–Jigawa corridor following months of intelligence-led operations designed to block revenue leakages and dismantle organised smuggling networks.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Friday, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures, carried out between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, underline the government’s resolve to protect national revenue and secure Nigeria’s trade corridors.

“Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security and damages Nigeria’s standing in international commerce,” Adeniyi said. “There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs.”

What was seized
According to Customs officials, the intercepted containers were originally declared as transit cargo but were illegally diverted inland. Items
recovered include:
Vitrified tiles diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone, valued at ₦228.6 million
Diesel engine oil
Polyester materials
Used clothing
Printed and lace fabrics
Medical consumables
Zamzam bottled water
Customs noted that some of the items fall under prohibited imports under Nigeria’s Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.

Legal action and convictions
Adeniyi disclosed that while one container remains under detention pending legal processes, two containers of medical consumables have already been forfeited to the Federal Government following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Kano on December 10, 2025.

He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam, who was found guilty of container diversion. The court sentenced him to three years in prison with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a judgment Customs officials say sends a strong warning to offenders.

Technology-driven enforcement
As part of broader reforms, the Customs boss announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices, allowing authorities to monitor cargo in real time from seaports to inland destinations, detect route deviations and receive tamper alerts.

The system, he said, is aimed at closing loopholes long exploited by smugglers and their collaborators.

Warning to traders
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation and border security, Adeniyi warned that offenders will face prosecution, forfeiture of goods and possible loss of trading privileges.
Importers, clearing agents and logistics operators were urged to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and report suspicious activities to Customs authorities.

For Nigeria, Customs officials say the message is clear: diverted cargo will be tracked, seized — and punished.