The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted various smuggled goods with a duty paid value of N1,018,971,728.02 between January 1 and March 10, 2026, as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the two states.
Acting Area Controller of the command, Umar Adamu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Kano, noting that the seizures were recorded through intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols, and strategic surveillance along major smuggling corridors.
Adamu said the command’s operations were aimed at protecting the nation’s economy, safeguarding public health, and preventing illicit cross-border trade.
He revealed that among the major interceptions was the seizure of 503 master cartons of Pregabalin 300mg (Nervigesic brand), containing over 15 million capsules valued at N729.9 million at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company facility of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The customs area controller noted that the products were suspected to be fake and lacked registration from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Other seizures included 1,447 used pneumatic tyres valued at N28.2 million, two smuggled Dong Feng vehicles worth N97.7 million, and silver metal bars weighing 12.2kg valued at N61 million hidden inside one of the vehicles.
The command also intercepted a Howo truck loaded with 2,765 cartons of foreign spaghetti worth N49.7 million, a truck head with forged temporary importation documents valued at N34.7 million, and 35 bales of second-hand clothing along the Babura axis in Jigawa State.
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Additionally, customs officers intercepted undeclared foreign currencies, including $106,500 and 134,256 Saudi Riyals at the international airport.
Adamu further disclosed that suspects arrested in connection with the undeclared currencies and precious metals have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
The command also recorded wildlife-related interceptions, including a live lion cub and pangolins, in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Receiving the seized drugs, the NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, said the operation prevented more than 15 million Nigerians from consuming counterfeit medicines.
He commended the customs command for its vigilance and collaboration, stressing that inter-agency cooperation remains critical in protecting public health and combating illicit trade.
