The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that intelligence-led operations conducted by its officers have successfully intercepted various smuggling activities in Kano and Jigawa States, confiscating prohibited goods worth more than ₦1.01 billion and effecting several arrests over a span of two months.
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Speaking during his maiden press briefing at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Usman Adamu, said the seizures were the result of intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols and strengthened collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies.
According to him, the interceptions, which occurred between January and early March 2026, ranged from undeclared foreign currencies and precious metals to smuggled vehicles, illicit pharmaceutical products and trafficked wildlife.
He explained that the enforcement actions were aimed at protecting the nation’s economy, safeguarding public health and preventing revenue leakages arising from illicit cross-border trade.
“Our anti-smuggling operations are designed to protect the Nigerian economy, safeguard public health and prevent illicit trade that undermines legitimate businesses,” Adamu said.
He further disclosed that one of the notable interceptions occurred at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where Customs officers uncovered undeclared foreign currencies concealed in a passenger’s luggage.
“Our officers recovered 106,500 United States dollars, 134,256 Saudi riyals, 28 Chinese yuan and 20 Ghanaian cedis from the passenger, who failed to declare the funds in line with existing financial regulations,” DC Adamu stated.
In a related development, the Acting CAC announced that another outbound passenger was intercepted with undeclared silver bars weighing about 22.8 kilograms concealed in his baggage without the required export documentation.
Adamu further disclosed that Customs officers also intercepted two smuggled Dongfeng vehicles along the Kano–Hadejia and Maiduguri roads. One of the vehicles was discovered to be conveying six silver metal bars weighing about 12.2 kilograms.
According to him, the suspect, together with the undeclared currencies and precious metals, has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Ag. CAC added that the Command intensified surveillance along key transport corridors known for illicit trade. This led to the interception of 1,447 pieces of smuggled used pneumatic tyres along the Yan Awaki axis of the Eastern Bypass in Kano following actionable intelligence.
“Along the Babura axis in Jigawa State, Customs officers also intercepted a Citroën bus conveying 35 bales of second-hand clothing and several kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil in violation of import restrictions,” he said.
DC Adamu also announced that in another operation along the Katsina–Kano axis, officers intercepted a Howo truck head accompanied by forged temporary importation documents.
Further enforcement around Ajiri village in Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State resulted in the seizure of another Howo truck loaded with 2,765 cartons of smuggled foreign spaghetti.
The Command also recorded a significant seizure involving suspected illicit pharmaceutical products.
Adamu disclosed that officers intercepted more than 15 million capsules of Pregabalin 300mg at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) terminal of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“The products were suspected to be unregistered medicaments without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the seized items will be handed over to the agency for further investigation,” he said.
Beyond contraband goods, the Command also handled cases linked to livestock theft and wildlife trafficking.
He disclosed that officers intercepted two cows suspected to have been rustled along Gezawa Road in Kano and arrested two suspects, who were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.
Adamu further revealed that wildlife trafficking also featured among the interceptions as officers rescued a live lion cub within Kano metropolis and arrested two suspects in connection with the illegal possession of the animal.
The Command also intercepted one live pangolin and another dead specimen around the Na’ibawa axis of Kano, while a second live pangolin was later seized along the Kano–Maiduguri road.
Adamu noted that the wildlife seizures is in line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“In total, the Command recorded seizures of nine major categories of prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value exceeding ₦1.018 billion within the period under review,” he said.
The Ag. CAC reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with security agencies and stakeholders in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi which is anchored on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
Adamu warned individuals involved in smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage to desist, stressing that the Command would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations within its jurisdiction.
“The Kano/Jigawa Area Command remains resolute in enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws. Anyone involved in illegal trade should desist immediately,” he said.
He also commended stakeholders, host communities and the media for their support, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the Service in combating illicit activities.
Credit:Nigeria Customs
