Customs, EFCC Intercept ₦653m Undeclared Foreign Currency at Kano Airport, Arrest Three
Nigeria Customs intercepted over ₦600 million in hidden foreign currency at Kano airport, arresting three suspects.
Officials say the cash was smuggled in luggage from Saudi Arabia on July 7.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted over ₦600 million worth of undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), arresting three suspects in connection with the smuggling attempt.
This was revealed on Tuesday during a joint press briefing by the Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Customs Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, and the Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano, Ibrahim Shazali.
Abubakar disclosed that the suspects were caught with large amounts of foreign currency hidden inside their luggage. One of them, identified as Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian national with passport number G5347658, flew into Nigeria from Saudi Arabia aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, landing at MAKIA around 12:15 p.m. on July 7, 2025.
According to the Customs boss, the interception followed credible intelligence and the collaborative efforts of security agencies within and outside Nigeria. He noted that all arriving passengers were reminded of the legal obligation to declare any amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent, but Salisu allegedly ignored the instruction.
“Acting on intelligence, our officers flagged the suspect for a thorough check. During the search, we found various foreign currencies skillfully concealed in cartons of clothes,” Abubakar said. “The total value of the seized funds stands at ₦653,987,268.50.”
He described the concealment tactic as “a desperate attempt to evade detection” and reaffirmed the commitment of the command to stay ahead of economic saboteurs. He added that the matter is now under full investigation in collaboration with the EFCC, and prosecution of the suspects has already commenced.
“This seizure sends a clear warning to those who seek to flout Nigeria’s financial laws. Our surveillance is active, our response is swift, and through divine grace and commitment, we will continue to safeguard national security,” Abubakar declared.
During the formal handover of the seized currencies, EFCC Zonal Director Ibrahim Shazali praised the Customs Service for the successful bust. Representing EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Shazali emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against economic crimes.
“This operation is a testament to what can be achieved through credible intelligence and seamless coordination,” he said. “It’s not just about the money seized it’s about the message it sends. We will not tolerate cash smuggling or any effort to undermine Nigeria’s financial integrity.”
Shazali reaffirmed the EFCC’s resolve to prosecute those involved and called the July 7 interception a significant win in the ongoing efforts to tighten border security and enforce financial regulations.
