The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted smuggled vehicles bearing Presidency number plates allegedly used by smugglers to evade Customs checks.
The command also said it generated N25 billion in revenue between July and August 2026, bringing its total revenue collection for the first eight months of the year to N88,925,099,742.70.
The Acting Comptroller of Customs in the command, Usman Adamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s revenue performance and enforcement activities.
Adamu described the use of official number plates on smuggled vehicles as a new tactic employed by smugglers to undermine Customs control.
He said the command had also intercepted eight suspected diverted transit truck heads with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N300,905,856, as well as seven smuggled vehicles of different brands with a DPV of N410,542,056.
The acting comptroller said the command had intensified enforcement operations across its area of responsibility as part of efforts to combat smuggling and protect the economy, public health, national security and the environment.
He said the operations had resulted in the seizure and detention of several prohibited, restricted and controlled goods.
Among the items intercepted, according to Adamu, were 1,491 cartons of foreign spaghetti with a DPV of N38,740,131; 2,928 packs of foreign macaroni valued at N280,734,079; and 35 bags of foreign parboiled rice, including the means of conveyance, with a DPV of N8,143,379.
The command also seized 19 bags of expired foreign parboiled rice of different brands, including the means of conveyance, with a DPV of N475,000.
Adamu further disclosed the interception of 3,000 jerry cans of foreign refined and packaged vegetable oil with a DPV of N431,852,129.
He said the importation and movement of such prohibited and restricted goods constituted economic sabotage and posed risks to the country’s economy and public health.
“ In line with our mandate and the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy, public health, national security and environment, the Command has sustained robust enforcement operations across its area of responsibility,” he said.
The command also intercepted undeclared foreign currencies during the period under review, including US$73,300, £15,975 and 827,800 Saudi Arabian riyals.
Adamu said the Customs Service would continue to support legitimate businesses through trade facilitation measures and incentives introduced by the NCS.
He listed the initiatives as the Authorised Economic Operator scheme, Advance Ruling and the One Stop Shop, among others.
The acting comptroller urged traders and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with relevant Customs laws, procedures and requirements, and to seek clarification from the service whenever necessary.
He warned that the command would sustain its enforcement efforts against smuggling while ensuring that legitimate trade received the necessary support.
