Nigeria Customs Intercepts Over ₦1 Billion in Contraband, Wildlife, and Undeclared Currency in Kano-Jigawa Operations

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepts ₦1bn in contraband, including 15 million drug tablets, foreign currency, and a live lion cub in Kano-Jigawa.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 6:31 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Channels Television

Large-Scale Financial Seizures at Aminu Kano International Airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant breakthrough in curbing financial crimes at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). Acting Area Comptroller Usman Umar Adamu revealed on Thursday that officers intercepted an outbound passenger attempting to transport undeclared foreign currency, including $106,500 and over 134,000 Saudi riyals. Additionally, 22.8 kilograms of silver metal bars were discovered concealed in a traveler’s luggage. These cases, along with the suspects, have been officially transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. The operations underscore the heightened surveillance at major transit hubs to prevent capital flight and illicit financial flows.

Interception of Massive Consignment of Unregistered Pharmaceuticals

In a major blow to the trade of unregulated medicines, Customs officers at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company terminal intercepted 503 cartons of Pregabalin capsules. The consignment, totaling more than 15 million tablets, is valued at ₦729.9 million. NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, noted that the seizure likely prevented a public health crisis by keeping potentially harmful or fake drugs off the Nigerian market. The drugs are currently being handed over to NAFDAC for forensic analysis and further investigation into the supply chain involved in their importation.

Wildlife Protection: Rescue of a Live Lion Cub and Pangolins

The Kano–Jigawa Command also demonstrated its commitment to international wildlife protection laws by intercepting a live lion cub and several pangolins. These animals are often targeted by high-value smuggling rings for the illegal pet trade or traditional medicine. Acting Comptroller Adamu stated that the lion cub has been placed in the care of wildlife conservationists for rehabilitation. These seizures highlight the diverse nature of modern smuggling operations, which increasingly involve the trafficking of endangered species alongside traditional contraband. Investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals behind the wildlife trafficking network.