The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted over ā¦653.9 million in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The funds were seized from three suspects and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, 8 July 2025, during a press briefing at the Customs House in Kano.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hailed the interception as a major victory in combating financial crimes linked to smuggling and money laundering. The arrest followed a tip-off and a strategic clearance check on Ghanaian passport holder Ahmed Salisu, who had arrived from Saudi Arabia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Salisu reportedly failed to declare the foreign cash, violating the legal requirement for currency declarations above $10,000. Officers discovered the undeclared money concealed within cartons of clothing. A physical inspection of his luggage revealed:
– šµ $420,900 (USD)
– š· Ā£5,825 (GBP)
– š¶ 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs
– š“ 224,000 Central African CFA Francs
Comptroller Abubakar praised the officers for their vigilance and stressed that the operation reflects the NCSās ongoing commitment to national security. He also highlighted sensitisation efforts initiated earlier this year, targeting key stakeholders across Kano and Jigawa to raise awareness about border regulations.
The EFCC Zonal Director commended the synergy between both agencies and confirmed the case will be prosecuted in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. He emphasized the critical link between illicit cash movement and organized crime, including terrorism and banditry.
Authorities urged stakeholders in aviation and finance to stay alert and continue sharing intelligence that could help prevent future breaches.