The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command, has intercepted foreign currencies worth ₦653.9 million concealed in luggage at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, revealed this during the official handover of the seized currencies and three suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday in Kano.
According to Abubakar, the operation followed earlier sensitization efforts jointly carried out by the NCS, EFCC, and ICPC on April 26, 2025, to educate stakeholders on laws guiding currency declaration and cross-border movement.
He explained that on July 7, at about 12:15 p.m., officers acting on intelligence apprehended a suspect, Ahmed Salisu, who arrived from Saudi Arabia via Ethiopian Airlines using a Ghanaian passport.
“The suspect was arrested after failing to declare the foreign currencies in his possession. Vigilant officers discovered the concealed funds during routine checks,” the controller said.
The seized currencies include $420,900, 3,946,500 West African CFA francs (XOF), 224,000 Central African CFA francs (XAF), and €5,825 — all amounting to a total value of ₦653,987,268.50.
The Zonal Director of the EFCC, Ibrahim Shazali, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the successful operation. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Shazali expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between the two agencies.
He said the joint effort highlights their shared commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and fighting economic crimes.
According to him, the operation on July 7 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport was a result of credible intelligence and meticulous coordination.
Shazali emphasised that the interception was not only significant because of the amount recovered but also for the message it sends.
He said the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling and are determined to track down and prosecute anyone attempting to circumvent the law.
Lateefah Ibrahim