Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, says it has intercepted 22.80 kilogrammes of suspected smuggled silver bars valued at N116.28million at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, as part of its efforts to curb illicit financial flows and strengthen border security.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Usman Adamu, has formally handed over the seized items and one suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Kano for further investigation.
Adamu disclosed that the seizure occurred during routine non-intrusive baggage scanning 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 N116,280,000,” he said.
The suspect, who holds a Republic of Sudan passport, was billed to travel on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates at the time of interception.
According to the Customs boss, the passenger claimed the items were sourced from the Niger Republic but failed to provide valid export documentation 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, explaining that the handover to the EFCC was informed by the financial implications of the case and the Commission’s statutory mandate.
Receiving the suspect, EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Friday Ebelo, commended Customs officers for their vigilance and professionalism.
“We appreciate the Nigeria Customs Service for this proactive interception. The Commission will carry out a thorough investigation in line with our mandate,” Ebelo assured.
Beyond enforcement, the Kano/Jigawa Command says it has intensified collaboration with strategic institutions, including the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, to enhance trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
During a courtesy visit by the Commander of the 403 Flying Training School, Group Captain Uchenna Ihediwa, Adamu stressed the importance of institutional synergy.
“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,” he said.
“Whether in trade facilitation, revenue generation, enforcement, or border security, the objective is to strengthen the economy and protect our sovereignty.”
He emphasized that modern Customs administration now extends beyond revenue collection to include trade facilitation, fiscal policy implementation, anti-smuggling operations, and generation of trade statistics for national planning.
Adamu further described the Command as strategically positioned, supervising critical trade corridors such as the Dala Inland Dry Port and the international border at Maigatari.
On revenue performance, he disclosed that the Command generated over N101 billion in 2025, surpassing its annual target by 5.71 percent.
“That performance was not accidental. It is the result of stakeholder engagement, improved compliance, operational discipline, and strategic deployment of resources,” he noted.
He further underscored the necessity of inter-agency coordination in tackling evolving threats.
“Synergy is not optional in today’s security environment. When institutions coordinate effectively, we strengthen enforcement, optimise resources, and achieve better results,” Adamu added.
