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, 8 July 2025, 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.
Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, and the EFCC Zonal Director of Kano Command
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.
โUpon 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.โ The Comptroller said.
He said, โA physical search of his baggage revealed concealed cash amounting to $420,900 (USD), ยฃ5,825 (British Pounds Sterling), 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, collectively valued at over โฆ653.9 million.โ
He described the interception as a testament to the Serviceโs unwavering commitment to national security and the ongoing collaboration with other agencies, especially the EFCC and ICPC, in safeguarding Nigeriaโs financial and territorial integrity.
Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, handling over the seized foreign currency to the EFCC Zonal Director of Kano Command
The arrested suspects
โThis 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.โ 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.
Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, handling over the seized foreign currency to the EFCC Zonal Director of Kano Command
Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, and the EFCC Zonal Director of Kano Command during the handling over ceremony
Representing the EFCC, the Zonal Director of its Kano Command praised the synergy between both agencies and reaffirmed the EFCCโs determination to pursue prosecution of the case in accordance with the law.
โOn 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.โ 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 Nigeriaโs 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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