Customs intercepts smuggled goods worth over N1bn in Kano, Jigawa
Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Smuggled Goods Valued at Over N1 Billion
KANO, Nigeria — The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported the seizure of smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.018 billion between January 1 and March 10, 2026. This announcement follows a series of enhanced anti-smuggling operations in the two states.
During a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, Acting Area Controller Umar Adamu highlighted that the interceptions were the result of intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols, and surveillance along known smuggling routes in Kano and Jigawa.
Adamu emphasized that these enforcement efforts are focused on safeguarding the nation’s economy, preventing revenue leaks, and protecting public health from potentially harmful and unregulated products. “The command remains committed to intensifying surveillance and intelligence gathering to curb smuggling and protect legitimate trade,” he stated.
The most notable seizure occurred at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where customs officials intercepted 503 master cartons of Pregabalin 300mg capsules, valued at N729.9 million. The shipment, which contained over 15 million capsules of the Nervigesic brand, is suspected to be counterfeit and was not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Other significant seizures include 1,447 used pneumatic tires valued at N28.2 million, two smuggled Dong Feng vehicles worth N97.7 million, and 12.2 kilograms of silver metal bars valued at N61 million, which were found concealed in one of the vehicles. Additionally, customs officials confiscated a Howo truck carrying 2,765 cartons of foreign spaghetti valued at N49.7 million, as well as a truck head with forged temporary importation documents worth N34.7 million. Further seizures included 35 bales of second-hand clothing and several kegs of vegetable oil in Jigawa State.
Adamu also reported the interception of undeclared foreign currencies totaling 106,500 US dollars and 134,256 Saudi Riyals at the airport. Individuals suspected of involvement in these offenses have been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
Moreover, the command intercepted wildlife species, including a lion cub and pangolins, in violation of regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Those arrested in connection with these seizures have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and potential prosecution.
