The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into the alleged movement of undeclared foreign currencies intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
MilitainmentNews gathered that, the currencies, totalling $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals, were intercepted during routine screening of arriving passengers between August 8 and August 12, 2026.
A suspect, identified as Haruna Yusuf, was also handed over to the EFCC alongside the recovered currencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The handover was carried out by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U. U. Adamu, at the Customs Area Command in Kano.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, commended the Customs Service for its cooperation and vigilance.
According to Adamu, the Customs Service made two separate interceptions during passenger screening operations at MAKIA.
He disclosed that on August 8, 2026, at about 2:20 p.m., Customs officers conducting passenger screening at the baggage area of the airport intercepted an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300.
The currencies, he said, were allegedly concealed inside footwear.
In a separate interception on August 12, 2026, at about 1:50 p.m., Customs officers flagged a luggage belonging to Haruna Yusuf, who arrived at the airport aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
Adamu explained that during secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, officers discovered $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sportswear shoes.
The Customs official subsequently handed over Yusuf and the recovered exhibits to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.
He said the action was carried out pursuant to Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empowers the Service to collaborate with other border regulatory agencies.
Adamu said the interceptions demonstrated the vigilance and readiness of Customs officers to detect attempts to move undeclared foreign currencies across Nigeria's borders.
He added that the Command would continue to deploy technology, professional expertise and intelligence-driven measures, alongside inter-agency collaboration, to strengthen border controls and protect the integrity of the country's financial system.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits, Ebelo urged members of the public to comply with Nigeria's currency declaration requirements when travelling with large amounts of foreign currency.
He stressed that declaring currency does not in itself attract a penalty, noting that concerns could arise from the source or circumstances surrounding undeclared funds.
“You must declare the currency you are carrying. If you declare it, nobody will seize your currency,” Ebelo said.
He further stated that the EFCC would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and proceed in accordance with the law.
The EFCC official also reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies in tackling financial crimes and the illicit movement of cash across Nigeria's borders.
Both officials commended the longstanding cooperation between the EFCC and NCS, describing the partnership as critical to detecting and preventing financial crimes and illegal movement of funds through Nigeria's entry and exit points.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the undeclared currencies, their ownership and source, as well as determine any further legal action required.
#EFCC #NigeriaCustoms #NCS #KanoAirport #MallamAminuKanoInternationalAirport #FinancialCrime #MoneyLaundering #ForeignCurrency #CurrencyInterception #EFCCInvestigation #BorderSecurity #EconomicCrime #Nigeria #Kano #AntiCorruption #FinancialIntelligence #LawEnforcement #NigeriaNews #BreakingNews #CrimeNews
0 Comments