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Nigeria Customs Seizes 20 Diverted Containers Worth ₦769.5m |
Nigeria Customs seizes 20 diverted containers worth ₦769.5m as CGC Adeniyi vows zero tolerance for cargo diversion and economic sabotage.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on cargo diversion, intercepting 20 diverted containers valued at ₦769.5 million. The seizures highlight renewed enforcement efforts to protect government revenue and national security.
Announced in Kano, the development signals a strong warning to smugglers and collaborators across Nigeria’s trade corridors.
Intelligence-Led Operations Behind the Seizures
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that the interceptions followed intelligence-driven operations carried out between the second and fourth quarters of 2025. The containers were seized across the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, a key transit axis.
According to Adeniyi, cargo diversion undermines Nigeria’s revenue base and weakens trust in the country’s international trade system.
Contents and Duty Paid Value Breakdown
Items Found in the Diverted Containers
The seized containers were discovered to contain a wide range of goods, some of which are restricted or prohibited under trade regulations. Items included:
- Vitrified tiles diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone (₦228.6m DPV)
- Diesel engine oil and polyester materials
- Used clothing, printed and lace fabrics
- Medical consumables
- Zamzam bottled water
Several of these items violate provisions of the Common External Tariff (CET) framework.
For official trade and tariff guidelines, importers are advised to consult the Nigeria Customs Service via its official portal: https://www.customs.gov.ng.
Legal Actions and Court Judgments
Prosecution and Conviction Recorded
The Comptroller-General confirmed that Abdulrahman Sani Adam was arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for container diversion. He received:
- Three years imprisonment, or
- ₦3 million fine as an alternative sentence
Additionally, two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a Federal High Court, Kano Division judgment delivered on 10 December 2025. One container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes.
Technology-Driven Cargo Monitoring
To prevent future violations, the NCS has commenced near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices. This system allows:
- Real-time cargo monitoring
- Route compliance verification
- Instant tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations
This approach aligns with global best practices promoted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which supports digital trade enforcement worldwide: https://www.wcoomd.org.
Zero Tolerance for Economic Sabotage
CGC Adeniyi reiterated that there will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs. He warned that offenders risk prosecution, forfeiture of goods, and loss of trading privileges.
Importers, clearing agents, and logistics operators were urged to comply strictly with approved transit procedures and report suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.
Final Note and Call to Action
The seizure of diverted containers worth ₦769.5m underscores Nigeria Customs’ renewed commitment to trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security. Stakeholders in the import and export sector are encouraged to stay informed and operate within the law.
For official updates, regulations, and compliance guidelines, visit the Nigeria Customs Service website: https://www.customs.gov.ng
