The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦769,533,666 across the axis of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, following intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at curbing cargo diversion and safeguarding government revenue.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this development during a press briefing held in Kano on Friday, 19 December 2025.

He explained that the seizures, which occurred between the second and fourth quarters of 2025, were part of the Service’s sustained efforts to detect and dismantle organised cargo diversion networks.

According to the Comptroller-General, cargo diversion poses a serious threat to national revenue, security, and Nigeria’s credibility within the global trading system. “Cargo diversion is a grave offence that undermines government revenue, compromises national security, and damages Nigeria’s standing in international commerce. The Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to deploy all lawful measures to detect, deter, and punish offenders,” he stated.

The seized containers were found to contain various items, including vitrified tiles unlawfully diverted from the Kano Free Trade Zone with a DPV of ₦228.6 million, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, used clothing, printed and lace fabrics, medical consumables, and Zamzam bottled water. Some of the items are classified as prohibited imports under the Common External Tariff (CET) regulations.

The Comptroller-General further disclosed that while one container remains under detention pending the conclusion of legal processes, two containers of medical consumables were forfeited to the Federal Government following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on 10 December 2025.

He also confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Abdulrahman Sani Adam for the offence of container diversion. The offender was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine, a development Adeniyi described as a strong deterrent against future violations.

To further strengthen transit cargo monitoring, the Comptroller-General announced the near-nationwide deployment of electronic container tracking devices. He noted that the system enables real-time monitoring, route compliance, and tamper alerts from ports to inland destinations.

The CGC reaffirmed its commitment to service, trade facilitation, revenue protection, and border security, warning that smugglers and their collaborators will face prosecution, forfeiture, and loss of trading privileges.

Importers, agents, and logistics operators were urged to adhere strictly to approved transit procedures and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office.

Northern youths are expressing strong discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, specifically over allegations of altering tax laws and perceived neglect of the region.

The youths claim that the changes to tax laws were made without proper consultation, exacerbating economic hardship in the North.

This backlash is part of broader dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and naira devaluation, which have led to increased poverty and inflation.

Groups like the Northern Youth Council have criticized the administration, stating that these policies disproportionately affect the North.

The Arewa Consultative Forum has also expressed disappointment, accusing Tinubu’s government of neglect and marginalization.

Some northern leaders argue that the administration’s focus on development projects overlooks the region’s specific needs, fueling resentment among youths.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute.

Tinubu conveyed his felicitations through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu congratulates DSS DG Oluwatosin Ajayi on IPI Press Freedom Award’.

Ajayi was honoured with a commendation award at the annual conference of the journalism organisation on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.

According to the IPI, “Since he was appointed Director-General of the Department of State Services in late August 2024, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has demonstrated an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organizations.”

It added, “We do so not only to acknowledge his commendable press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to do even more and to inspire other officials, institutions, and organizations to emulate his example.”

Tinubu welcomed the IPI award and commended the DSS chief for ensuring press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights and discharging his duties within the bounds of the law.

“The President affirms that the DSS under Mr Ajayi is changing the narrative of hostility against members of the press and creating an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu encouraged other security agencies and officials to emulate the DSS example and engage the media as partners rather than adversaries.

He also urged the DSS to sustain the momentum and continue fostering a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional duties, in line with the constitutional provision empowering the media to hold all officials to account.