The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency, cleverly concealed inside a yogurt carton at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The interception, which took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, was the result of intelligence gathering and a detailed baggage check on an inbound passenger.
Addressing journalists at the airport’s International Wing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, disclosed that the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina (40), arrived in Nigeria onboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“Earlier today, our officers received credible intelligence about an attempt to smuggle undeclared foreign currency into the country. Acting swiftly, we placed the suspect under close watch. During luggage screening, an unusual density was detected in one of his bags,” Adebisi explained.
Upon further inspection, stacks of dollar bills were found neatly hidden inside a yogurt carton.
The suspect’s failure to declare the funds violated Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. These laws require that any traveler carrying more than $10,000 must declare it upon arrival or departure.
“The law is clear—any undeclared funds above $10,000 must be reported to Customs. Failure to comply can lead to forfeiture of the money, imprisonment for up to two years, or both,” Adebisi stated.
Following the seizure, the intercepted $193,000 was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
“As required by law, we are transferring the forfeited money to the EFCC for necessary action,” Adebisi confirmed.
Reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to tackling illicit financial flows, Comptroller Adebisi warned travelers against bypassing currency declaration laws.
“We will not tolerate any attempt to smuggle undeclared funds through Nigeria’s airports. This seizure is a clear message that anyone caught violating financial regulations will face the full force of the law.”
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for providing an enabling environment that has enhanced Customs’ efficiency in intercepting financial crimes.
As authorities tighten security on financial crimes, travelers are urged to comply with currency declaration rules to avoid legal troubles.
“The process is simple if you have more than $10,000, declare it. Failure to do so is a serious offense,” Adebisi warned.
