The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies worth over ₦653.9 million at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), marking a major breakthrough in efforts to curb illicit financial flows.
The seizure, which included U.S. dollars, British pounds, and CFA francs, was announced during a press briefing on Monday, July 8, 2025, at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano. During the event, three suspects, including the principal suspect identified as Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian passport holder, were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Addressing journalists, the Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the arrest was made based on credible intelligence and vigilance by officers at MAKIA.
“Upon arrival from Saudi Arabia onboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, the suspect was reminded, like all passengers, of the legal requirement to declare foreign currency in excess of $10,000. He failed to comply,” Abubakar stated.
He explained that a thorough search of the suspect’s baggage led to the discovery of foreign currencies concealed inside cartons of clothing, comprising:
- $420,900 (USD)
- £5,825 (British Pounds)
- 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs
- 224,000 Central African CFA Francs
Abubakar noted that the seizure underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to national security and financial integrity, achieved through enhanced surveillance and inter-agency collaboration.
“This is a clear message to criminal networks: we are watching, and we will act. This arrest is a product of proactive enforcement, stakeholder sensitisation, and renewed border monitoring,” he said.
He added that earlier this year, under the directive of CGC Adeniyi, the Command conducted a series of public enlightenment campaigns targeting Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airline staff, and pilgrim boards across Kano and Jigawa States to enforce currency declaration compliance.
Receiving the suspects and seized cash, the EFCC Zonal Director in Kano commended the strong partnership between Customs and the Commission.
“On behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, we thank the Nigeria Customs Service for this timely interception. Cash smuggling is often linked to terrorism financing, organised crime, and economic sabotage. We will ensure thorough investigation and prosecution,” he said.
He affirmed that the operation aligned with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, both of which mandated declaration of foreign currency exceeding $10,000 at Nigeria’s borders.
The EFCC also urged aviation and financial sector stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue supporting efforts to disrupt illicit financial activities.
