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.
The action coincides with intensified collaboration with national institutions to boost security, streamline trade, and safeguard the economy.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Usman Adamu, formally handed over 22.80 kilograms of suspected silver bars and a suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano following the seizure.
Adamu explained that the interception occurred during routine baggage screening, when officers flagged a passenger’s luggage for secondary examination.
“During non-intrusive scanning, one passenger’s luggage was selected for secondary 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, holding a Republic of Sudan passport, was scheduled to travel on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates. He claimed the items were sourced from Niger Republic but could not provide the required export documents or evidence of 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 handover to EFCC was necessary due to the financial implications and the Commission’s statutory mandate.
EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Friday Ebelo, praised 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 enhance enforcement efficiency and streamline trade processes.
During a courtesy visit by the Commander of the 403 Flying Training School, Uchenna Ihediwa, DC Adamu emphasized:
“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, our objective is to strengthen the economy and protect our sovereignty.”
He highlighted that modern Customs administration extends beyond revenue collection to include trade facilitation, fiscal policy implementation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade statistics generation for national planning.
Adamu noted that the Command supervises key trade corridors and facilities, including the Dala Inland Dry Port and the Maigatari international border. He disclosed that in 2025, the Command generated over ₦101 billion, surpassing its annual target by 5.71%.
“That performance was not accidental. It results from stakeholder engagement, improved compliance, operational discipline, and strategic resource deployment,” he said.
He stressed the importance of inter-agency coordination in addressing evolving security threats:
“Synergy is not optional in today’s security environment. Effective coordination strengthens enforcement, optimizes resources, and achieves better results.”
In a separate engagement with Isah Audu, North-West Zonal Director of the Shippers’ Council, Adamu described Customs–Council relations as strategic for efficient cargo clearance and legitimate trade flows. He reassured stakeholders of ongoing digital reforms and improved network infrastructure to enhance operational reliability.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command remains committed to facilitating lawful trade while enforcing strict compliance to safeguard national revenue and economic integrity.