By Aminu Garko
KANO, Dec. 18, 2025 – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers valued at over N769.5 million in a crackdown on cargo diversion and trade infractions.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizures at a press briefing in Kano, saying the containers were cleared for inland bonded terminals and Free Trade Zones but diverted to private warehouses and markets, violating the NCS Act, 2023.
The seized goods include ceramic tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, and medical consumables.
Adeniyi warned that cargo diversion leads to revenue losses, encourages smuggling, and damages Nigeria’s reputation.
One suspect, Abdulrahman Sani Adam, was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or a N3 million fine. The NCS is deploying an electronic cargo tracking system to monitor transit corridors and detect deviations.
Adeniyi cautioned importers and freight forwarders against cargo diversion, saying violators will face prosecution and forfeiture of goods.
