The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies worth N653.9 million concealed in luggage at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Mr. Dalhatu Abubakar, Area Controller of the Command, revealed this information on Tuesday while officially transferring the seized currencies and three suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano.
According to Abubakar, the interception occurred on Monday at approximately 12:15 pm when officers arrested one Ahmed Salisu, who arrived from Saudi Arabia via Ethiopian Airlines carrying a Ghanaian passport. The suspect failed to declare the substantial foreign currencies in his possession as required by law.
"The suspect was arrested based on intelligence by vigilant officers after he failed to declare the foreign currencies in his possession," Abubakar stated.
The intercepted currencies included $420,900, 3,946,500 XOF (West African CFA francs), 224,000 XAF (Central African CFA francs), and €5,825, with a total value of approximately ₦653,987,268.50.
Abubakar emphasized that the currency declaration regime is an essential component of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures established in Nigerian law. These regulations are designed to protect the integrity of Nigeria's financial system and control the flow of funds to criminal networks, terrorists, bandits, and drug traffickers.
"Section 3 of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 as well as Section 55(f) of NCS Act 2023 mandate travelers with currencies or other negotiable instruments in excess of $10,000 to declare to Customs," he explained. "Where a person fails to make such declaration, the NCS shall duly effect arrest and commence necessary investigation leading to prosecution."
The EFCC Zonal Director in Kano, Ibrahim Shazali, confirmed that the seizure was executed in accordance with the provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2022, and relevant sections of the NCS Act, 2023, which strictly regulate currency movement across Nigerian borders.
Shazali urged the public, particularly stakeholders within the aviation sector, Bureau De Change operators, and financial institutions, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of large volumes of cash.
"The EFCC remains resolutely committed to its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly with all sister agencies to stem illicit financial flows and safeguard Nigeria's economic interests," he added.
This interception follows a joint sensitization effort by the Customs, EFCC, and ICPC on April 26, 2025, which educated stakeholders about currency declaration and movement laws in and out of the country.
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