The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure occurred during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight SV401 from Saudi Arabia. During the physical examination of her luggage, customs officers discovered the undeclared money concealed inside packs of palm-date fruits, locally known as Dabino.
Following the interception, the suspect and the seized currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal proceedings. A court later convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Meanwhile , the NCS has reiterated its commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s financial regulations, emphasized that all travelers must declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country. The agency warned that non-compliance constituted a violation of the law and attracts severe penalties.
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remained determined to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. The agency assured that it would continue working with relevant government bodies to strengthen border security and ensure compliance with financial laws.
The service further urged members of the public to adhere strictly to currency declaration requirements to avoid legal repercussions.
