The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted undeclared foreign currency worth $461,600 from two passengers at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects, both male, arrived from Dubai aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on May 8, 2026. They initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively.
Customs officers flagged their luggage for further checks after a non-intrusive inspection. A secondary search uncovered an additional $151,600 concealed in their luggage, bringing the total to $461,600.
Speaking during the handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on May 11, Acting Customs Area Controller DC Usman Adamu said the suspects violated Section 55(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In line with Section 4(f) of the NCS Act, we are handing over the suspects, the intercepted currencies and relevant travel documents to the EFCC for further investigation,” Adamu said.
He lauded the EFCC for its collaboration in tackling financial crimes and illegal cash movement, and praised Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for supporting officer training and capacity building.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits, EFCC Acting Zonal Director Friday Ebelo lauded Customs for its professionalism. He noted that non-declaration or under-declaration of cash above $10,000 contravenes the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure illicit financial flows do not pass through our borders. I assure you this case will be followed to its logical conclusion,” Ebelo said.
The handover took place at the NCS Area Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
Customs urged travelers to declare cash above the approved threshold and reaffirmed its commitment to combating transnational financial crimes.