The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against illicit financial flows with the interception of over N653 million worth of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure was announced on Tuesday, during a press briefing held at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, where the intercepted funds and three suspects were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the interception as a milestone in the ongoing crackdown on financial crimes linked to smuggling networks and money laundering.
According to him, the arrest followed credible intelligence and a vigilant clearance operation by officers at the airport, who flagged the suspect, Ahmed Salisu, a holder of Ghanaian Passport, upon arrival from Saudi Arabia onboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“Upon arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000. He declined.
But acting on credible intelligence, our vigilant officers flagged him for additional checks, which led to the discovery of concealed foreign currencies hidden inside cartons of clothing.” The Comptroller said.
He said, “A physical search of his baggage revealed concealed cash amounting to $420,900 (USD), £5,825 (British Pounds Sterling), 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, collectively valued at over ₦653.9 million.”
He described the interception as a testament to the Service’s unwavering commitment to national security and the ongoing collaboration with other agencies, especially the EFCC and ICPC, in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial and territorial integrity.
“This arrest highlights the result of proactive enforcement, continuous stakeholder sensitisation, and our renewed focus on border surveillance. Our goal is not only to detect but also to deter. Let this be a clear message to criminal networks: we are watching, and we will act.” He said.
He further revealed that the arrest was linked to ongoing efforts launched earlier this year under the directive of CGC Adeniyi, to educate stakeholders about the legal obligations of currency declaration at borders.
He noted that the Command had organised sensitisation campaigns across Kano and Jigawa targeting Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airline operators and pilgrim boards.
Representing the EFCC, the Zonal Director of its Kano Command praised the synergy between both agencies and reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to pursue prosecution of the case in accordance with the law.
“On behalf of the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, we express appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for their vigilance and cooperation. This case is not just about money; it is about national security. Cash smuggling has been a funding lifeline for terrorism, banditry, and transnational crimes.” He said.
He further stressed that the seizure and arrest were made in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which require mandatory declaration of foreign currency exceeding $10,000 at Nigeria’s borders.
While commending the efforts of Customs officers involved in the operation, the EFCC official urged stakeholders, especially in the aviation and financial sectors, to remain alert and continue sharing intelligence that could prevent future breaches.
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