Customs Intercepts ₦116m Precious Metals, Deepens Security, Trade Collaboration in Kano
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
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 also strengthening operational collaboration with key national institutions to enhance security, trade facilitation, and economic stability.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Usman Adamu, formally handed over 22.80 kilogrammes of recovered suspected silver bars and a suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano following the interception.
Adamu disclosed that the seizure 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 on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates at the time of interception. According to him, the items were sourced from the Niger Republic, but he failed to provide export documentation or evidence of the required declaration.
“The unlawful movement of regulated items across our borders is a violation of statutory provisions and attracts appropriate sanctions,” Adamu stated, adding that the handover to the EFCC was necessitated by the financial implications of the case and the Commission’s statutory mandate.
Upon receiving the suspect, EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Friday Ebelo, commended Customs officers for their professionalism and assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough investigation.
In a related development, the Command has intensified collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to reinforce 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, noting that although the institutions operate in different spheres, they share a common national objective.
“We are serving one country and one national interest. Every action we take at the Nigeria Customs Service 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 goes beyond revenue collection to include 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 key trade corridors and facilities, including the Dala Inland Dry Port and the international border at Maigatari. Regarding revenue performance, he disclosed that the Command generated over ₦101 billion in 2025, surpassing its annual 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.
DC Adamu stressed that coordination among security agencies remains essential in addressing evolving threats.
“Synergy is not optional in today’s security environment. When institutions coordinate effectively, we strengthen enforcement, optimise resources, and achieve better results,” he added.
In a separate engagement with the Shippers’ Council’s North-West Zonal Director, Isah Audu, Adamu described Customs–Council relations as strategic to ensuring efficient cargo clearance and legitimate trade flows, assuring stakeholders of ongoing digital reforms and improved network infrastructure to enhance operational reliability.
He reaffirmed Command’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade while maintaining strict enforcement of compliance to safeguard national revenue and economic integrity.
