The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has announced the seizure and detention of smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.159 billion, while also intercepting undeclared foreign currencies worth millions of naira during its latest enforcement operations.
The Command also disclosed what it described as the largest and most diverse single seizure of endangered wildlife in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and possibly the West African sub-region, involving 48 endangered animals and birds.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, made the disclosures on Friday, September 4, 2026, during a press briefing at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano.
Adamu said the Command’s year-to-date revenue collection had risen to N88.925 billion, compared with N63.079 billion reported during its half-year briefing.
According to him, the latest figure represents an increase of about N25 billion since July 2026, with July recording the highest monthly revenue collection in the history of the Command, at more than N14 billion.
He said the achievements were recorded in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Service’s mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, border control and enforcement.
N2.16bn Worth of Goods Seized
The Acting Controller said the Command’s intensified anti-smuggling operations led to the interception of a wide range of prohibited, restricted and controlled goods with a combined DPV of N2,159,325,503.
Among the seized items 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 valued at N475,000.
Other seizures included 3,000 jerry cans of foreign refined and packaged vegetable oil, valued at N431.85 million, and 514 cartons of assorted brands of soap, with a DPV of N38.07 million.
Vehicles, Trucks, Containers Intercepted
The Command further intercepted eight suspected diverted transit truck heads, with a combined DPV of N300.91 million, and seven smuggled vehicles valued at N410.54 million.
In another major enforcement action, Customs seized five 40-foot diverted transit containers, with a DPV of N645.16 million.
Adamu said the interceptions were carried out in violation of relevant provisions of the NCS Act 2023.
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 handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at NCS Headquarters for further investigation and necessary action.
Adamu described the seizure as unprecedented.
“This is believed to be 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 interception demonstrated the Command’s determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and enforce the country’s obligations under international conventions and relevant provisions of the NCS Act 2023.
The Command also intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products comprising 712,690 tablets of various brands, alongside 17,470 vials and ampoules.
The pharmaceutical products have been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.
Customs also seized 6,072 counterfeit agro-packaging materials, valued at N1.82 million, in an operation aimed at protecting intellectual property rights.
Customs Intercepts Dollars, Pounds, Saudi Riyals
In its anti-money laundering operations, the Command intercepted undeclared foreign currencies allegedly being moved in violation of applicable laws.
The currencies comprised$73,300, £15,975, 827,800 Saudi Riyals
Adamu said the currencies, alongside two suspects, had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, for further investigation.
Customs Raises Alarm Over Fake Government Number Plates
The Acting Controller also raised concern over what he described as a disturbing trend involving the use of Government Service official number plates on smuggled vehicles allegedly to evade Customs checks.
He warned that the Command would intensify surveillance and enforcement against individuals exploiting government identification to facilitate illicit trade.
“For those engaged in legitimate trade, our message is clear: compliance remains the most effective way of conducting business without unnecessary interruption.”
Adamu, however, assured legitimate businesses that the Command would continue to support lawful trade through Customs trade-facilitation initiatives, including the Authorized Economic Operator, Advance Ruling and One Stop Shop schemes.
He urged traders and businesses to familiarise themselves with Customs laws and procedures and seek clarification whenever necessary.
The Acting Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for their support, while praising officers and men of the Kano/Jigawa Command and sister security agencies for their collaboration.
He also acknowledged the media’s role in keeping the public informed about Customs activities.
The Command, he said, would sustain its enforcement drive while balancing border security and revenue objectives with the need to facilitate legitimate commerce.