By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted over ₦653.9 million worth of undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), marking a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit financial flows.
The seizure, which involved three suspects, was formally announced on Monday, July 8, 2025, during a press briefing at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano. The suspects and the seized currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the operation as a milestone in the Service’s effort to combat money laundering and cross-border financial crimes.
According to Abubakar, the arrest was made following credible intelligence and a meticulous clearance process involving a Ghanaian passport holder, Ahmed Salisu, who arrived from Saudi Arabia via an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“Upon arrival, the suspect was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000. He failed to comply. A subsequent search revealed foreign currencies concealed within cartons of clothing,” Abubakar stated.
The seized currencies include $420,900 (USD), £5,825 (British Pounds), 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs—altogether valued at over ₦653.9 million.
Comptroller Abubakar praised the proactive efforts of Customs officers and the inter-agency collaboration with the EFCC and ICPC, noting that the operation is part of ongoing nationwide efforts to secure Nigeria’s financial integrity.
“This arrest sends a clear message to criminal networks: our borders are being watched. Our mission is not only to detect but to deter financial crimes,” he said.
He also revealed that the operation aligns with the directive of CGC Adeniyi to intensify public sensitisation on currency declaration laws. He cited recent awareness campaigns across Kano and Jigawa, targeting Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airline staff, and pilgrim boards.
Receiving the suspects and evidence, the Zonal Director of the EFCC in Kano commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and pledged full prosecution under the relevant laws.
“This seizure is not just about money—it’s a matter of national security,” the EFCC official said. “Illicit funds often finance terrorism, banditry, and other transnational crimes. We are committed to applying the full weight of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”
The EFCC also urged stakeholders in the aviation and financial sectors to maintain high levels of alertness and share actionable intelligence to prevent future infractions.
