Kano Customs Generates N88.9bn Revenue, Seizes Smuggled Goods, Wildlife, Vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has generated N88.93 billion in revenue year-to-date, while recording seizures of smuggled goods, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, foreign currencies and endangered wildlife.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, disclosed this on Friday, September 4, 2026, during a press briefing at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano.

Adamu said the Command had generated N63.08 billion as of its half-year briefing, adding that its year-to-date collection had now risen to N88.93 billion.

According to him, July 2026 recorded the highest monthly revenue collection in the history of the Command, with more than N14 billion generated during the month.

He said the achievement reflected the Command’s sustained efforts to improve revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Customs Records N2.15bn Duty Paid Value in Seizures
Beyond revenue generation, Adamu said the Command had intensified its enforcement operations against smuggling and other activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s economy, public health, national security and environment.

He disclosed that seizures and detentions recorded during the period under review had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.159 billion.

Among the items intercepted were 1,491 cartons of foreign spaghetti, valued at N38.74 million, and 2,928 packs of foreign macaroni, with a DPV of N280.73 million.

The Command also seized 35 bags of foreign parboiled rice, including the means of conveyance, valued at N8.14 million, as well as 19 bags of expired foreign parboiled rice of different brands.

Other food and personal-care products intercepted included 3,000 jerry cans of foreign refined and packaged vegetable oil, with a DPV of N431.85 million, and 514 cartons of assorted brands of soap, valued at N38.07 million.

The Customs boss said the importation of some of the prohibited items violated relevant provisions of the NCS Act 2023 and other applicable regulations.

Eight Transit Trucks, Seven Vehicles Intercepted

Adamu further disclosed that the Command intercepted eight suspected diverted transit truck heads, with a combined DPV of N300.91 million.

It also seized seven smuggled vehicles of different brands, valued at approximately N410.54 million.

He said the seizures formed part of the Command’s efforts to prevent the diversion of transit goods and the smuggling of vehicles through Nigeria’s borders.

Customs Intercepts Pharmaceutical Products

The Command also intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products comprising 712,690 tablets, as well as 17,470 vials and ampoules of various medicines.

Adamu said the pharmaceutical products had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.

Record Wildlife Seizure
One of the major highlights of the Command’s enforcement operations was the interception of 48 endangered wildlife species on August 25, 2026.

The animals comprised 15 primates, including chimpanzees, gorillas and bush babies; four wild cats, including civet and caracal cats; 25 wild birds, including greater bustards and rock fowls; as well as two albino crocodiles and a honey badger.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the wildlife trafficking attempt and subsequently handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS Headquarters for further investigation and action.

Adamu described the interception as “the largest and most diverse single seizure of wildlife ever recorded in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and probably the West African sub-region.”

He said the seizure demonstrated the scale of wildlife trafficking and the Command’s determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and comply with international obligations and relevant provisions of the NCS Act 2023.

Counterfeit Agro Packaging Materials Seized

The Command also intercepted 6,072 pieces of counterfeit agro-packaging materials, with a DPV of N1.82 million.

According to Adamu, the seizure was in line with the Customs Service’s responsibility to protect intellectual property rights under the NCS Act 2023.

Similarly, Customs seized five 40-foot diverted transit containers, with a combined DPV of N645.16 million.

Vandalised Power Cables Intercepted

The Command also intercepted two suspects in possession of 993.9 metres of 150-square-millimetre vandalised high-voltage aluminium conductors, valued at N2.88 million.

Adamu said the suspects and the seized cables would be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and necessary action.

He stressed that protecting critical national infrastructure was essential to strengthening national and border security.

Customs Intercepts Undeclared Foreign Currency

As part of its anti-money laundering operations, the Command also intercepted undeclared foreign currencies allegedly being moved in violation of the Anti-Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2022.

The currencies comprised:
$73,300 US dollars
£15,975 British pounds
827,800 Saudi riyals

The intercepted currencies and the two suspects were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, for further investigation.

Customs Warns Against Use of Government Number Plates

The Acting Area Controller also raised concern over what he described as a disturbing trend involving the use of government service official number plates on intercepted smuggled vehicles.

According to him, some smugglers were using the plates in an attempt to evade Customs controls.

He warned that the Command would continue to monitor the trend and take appropriate enforcement action against those involved.

Customs Urges Traders to Comply With Laws
Adamu urged legitimate traders and businesses to comply with Customs laws and procedures, stressing that compliance remained the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays and disruptions.

He said the Command would continue to support legitimate businesses through trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the NCS, including the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Advance Ruling and One Stop Shop, among others.

“A compliant trading community makes our work easier, reduces delays and promotes predictability while ultimately contributing to a stronger economy,” he said.

He encouraged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with relevant Customs laws and procedures and to seek clarification whenever necessary.

Adamu Commends Officers, Partners
The Acting Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management team of the Service for their support and guidance.

He also praised officers and men of the Kano/Jigawa Command for their dedication and vigilance, while appreciating sister security agencies, stakeholders and members of the public for their cooperation.

Adamu further acknowledged the role of the media in informing the public about Customs operations and called for continued partnership in disseminating accurate information.

He said the Command would build on its recent achievements through professionalism, vigilance, collaboration, stakeholder engagement and strict adherence to the laws guiding its operations.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening revenue generation, combating smuggling, protecting Nigeria’s economy and supporting legitimate trade.