The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it intercepted smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.018 billion between January 1 and March 10, 2026, as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the two states.
The command’s Acting Area Controller, Umar Adamu, disclosed this on Tuesday during his maiden press briefing in Kano.
Adamu said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols and surveillance along major smuggling routes in Kano and Jigawa states.
According to him, the enforcement efforts are aimed at protecting the nation’s economy, preventing revenue leakages and safeguarding public health from harmful and unregulated products.
“The command remains committed to intensifying surveillance and intelligence gathering to curb smuggling and protect legitimate trade,” he said.
He revealed that the most significant seizure during the period was 503 master cartons of Pregabalin 300mg capsules (Nervigesic brand), containing over 15 million capsules with a DPV of N729.9 million.
The pharmaceutical products were intercepted at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company facility of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Adamu said the drugs were suspected to be counterfeit and lacked registration from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Other items seized by the command include 1,447 pieces of used pneumatic tyres valued at N28.2 million, two smuggled Dong Feng vehicles worth N97.7 million, and silver metal bars weighing 12.2 kilograms valued at N61 million concealed in one of the vehicles.
The command also intercepted a Howo truck conveying 2,765 cartons of foreign spaghetti valued at N49.7 million, as well as a truck head with forged temporary vehicle importation documents worth N34.7 million.
Additional seizures included 35 bales of second-hand clothing and several kegs of vegetable oil intercepted along the Babura axis in Jigawa State.
Adamu further disclosed that undeclared foreign currencies amounting to 106,500 US dollars and 134,256 Saudi Riyals were intercepted at the airport, adding that suspects linked to the offence had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
He also revealed that the command intercepted wildlife species, including a lion cub and pangolins, in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora regulations.
According to him, suspects arrested in connection with the seizures have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Customs intercepts smuggled goods worth over N1bn in Kano, Jigawa
