In a decisive move against economic sabotage, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers valued at ₦769,533,666 in the Kano/Jigawa Area Command. The operation, driven by intelligence-led enforcement, underscores the Service’s commitment to curbing cargo diversion and protecting national revenue.
The intercepted containers, diverted between Q2 and Q4 of 2025, contained a range of goods including vitrified tiles (₦228.6 million) diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone, diesel engine oil, Polyester fabrics, used clothing, printed and lace materials, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water.
Several items fall under prohibited imports per the Common External Tariff (CET).
One container remains detained pending legal resolution while two containers of medical supplies were forfeited to the Federal Government by court order on December 10, 2025.
Abdulrahman Sani Adam was convicted for container diversion and sentenced to three years in prison or a ₦3 million fine.
The Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the near-complete rollout of electronic container tracking systems nationwide. These devices offer real-time monitoring, route compliance checks, and tamper alerts from port to destination.
CGC Adeniyi warned that “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.”
Importers, freight agents, and logistics operators are urged to strictly follow approved transit procedures and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.