NCS intercepts undeclared $193,000 at Abuja airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $193,000 (approximately N289.5 billion) concealed in a carton of yoghurt at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed that the seizure occurred on Thursday during a routine baggage inspection. The suspect was identified as a passenger on Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Maiwada emphasized that the interception was the result of credible intelligence and meticulous baggage screening, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and enforcing strict customs regulations.

“Acting on intelligence, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash,” he said.

He explained that the undeclared funds violate the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Both Acts mandate that travellers carrying over $10,000 (or its equivalent in negotiable instruments) must declare it to Customs upon arrival or departure.

Maiwada explained that advanced scanning technology helped detect the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.

“The seized money has been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited funds to the EFCC for further necessary action,” he added.

He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across borders.

He also urged travellers to comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria.

NAN