Kano-Jigawa Customs Command Intercepts N1 Billion in Contraband, Including 15 Million Fake Tablets and Live Lion Cub

Nigeria Customs intercepts over N1 billion in contraband in Kano and Jigawa, including 15 million fake tablets, $106,000 in cash, and a live lion cub.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 8:05 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Trust

Coordinated Crackdown on Regional Smuggling Routes

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano-Jigawa Area Command, has reported a massive surge in enforcement success, recording seizures totaling N1,018,971,728 between January and March 2026. Acting Area Comptroller Usman Umar Adamu revealed that the results were the product of intelligence-driven surveillance and coordinated patrols across key transit points. These operations were specifically designed to combat revenue leakage and prevent the entry of products that pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s public health and national security.

Significant Currency and Precious Metal Interceptions

A major focal point of the recent seizures was the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, where officials intercepted substantial amounts of undeclared foreign currency. Officers recovered $106,500, alongside significant quantities of Saudi riyals, Chinese yuan, and Ghana cedis. Additionally, the command seized 35 kilograms of silver metal bars—some found concealed in outbound passenger luggage and others hidden within smuggled vehicles. The suspects and the financial assets have been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation into potential money laundering.

Public Health Victory: Seizure of 15 Million Fake Tablets

The most significant portion of the N1 billion total came from the interception of 503 cartons of Pregabalin capsules at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company terminal. Valued at N729.9 million, the 15 million tablets were found to be unregistered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, lauded the seizure, stating that the operation effectively prevented millions of Nigerians from being exposed to potentially lethal counterfeit medicines.