The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted suspected smuggled precious metals valued at ₦116.28 million at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, while intensifying collaboration with key national institutions to bolster security and trade facilitation.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, formally handed over 22.80 kilogrammes of suspected silver bars and a suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano following the seizure.
Adamu disclosed that the interception occurred during routine baggage screening when officers flagged a passenger’s luggage for secondary examination.
“During non-intrusive scanning, one of the passengers’ luggage items was selected for secondary examination. Upon physical inspection, officers discovered 22.80kg of suspected silver bars concealed in the baggage, with an estimated value of ₦116,280,000,” he said.
The suspect, a holder of a Republic of Sudan passport, was scheduled to travel aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates at the time of arrest. According to Customs, the items were reportedly sourced from the Niger Republic, but the suspect failed to provide export documentation or evidence of proper declaration.
“The unlawful movement of regulated items across our borders is a violation of statutory provisions and attracts appropriate sanctions,” Adamu stated, noting that the case was transferred to the EFCC due to its financial implications and the Commission’s statutory mandate.
Receiving the suspect, EFCC Kano Zonal Director Friday Ebelo commended Customs officers for their professionalism and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
In a related development, the Command has deepened operational cooperation with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to enhance enforcement efficiency and streamline trade processes.
Adamu reaffirmed this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the 403 Flying Training School, Uchenna Ihediwa, stating that although the institutions operate in different domains, they share a common national objective.
“We are serving one country and one national interest. Every action we take aligns with the development goals of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whether in trade facilitation, revenue generation, enforcement, or border security, the objective is to strengthen the economy and protect our sovereignty,” he said.
He emphasised that modern Customs administration extends beyond revenue collection to encompass trade facilitation, fiscal policy implementation, anti-smuggling operations, and the generation of trade statistics for national planning.
Describing the Command as strategically positioned, Adamu noted that it supervises critical trade corridors and facilities, including the Dala Inland Dry Port and the international border at Maigatari. He disclosed that the Command generated over ₦101 billion in 2025, exceeding its annual revenue target by 5.71 per cent.
“That performance was not accidental. It is the result of stakeholder engagement, improved compliance, operational discipline, and strategic deployment of resources,” he said.
Adamu stressed that inter-agency coordination remains indispensable in addressing evolving security threats.
“Synergy is not optional in today’s security environment. When institutions coordinate effectively, we strengthen enforcement, optimise resources, and achieve better outcomes,” he added.
During a separate engagement with the Shippers’ Council’s North-West Zonal Director, Isah Audu, the Controller described Customs–Council relations as vital to ensuring efficient cargo clearance and legitimate trade flows. He assured stakeholders of ongoing digital reforms and network upgrades aimed at improving operational reliability.
The Command reiterated its commitment to facilitating lawful trade while maintaining strict compliance enforcement to safeguard national revenue and economic integrity.
