Written by Springnewsng Media Limited
March 14, 2025

In a remarkable demonstration of its commitment to curbing financial crimes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a staggering $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.

The seizure was announced on Thursday by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada. According to him, the foreign currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs, locally known as Dabino, during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.

How the Arrest Happened

Maiwada explained that during a thorough physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, customs officers uncovered the concealed cash, which was not declared as required by Nigerian law.

In line with standard procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency were immediately handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action. Subsequently, the court convicted the suspect and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

Customs Warns Against Non-Compliance

Maiwada warned that travelers must comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country. He emphasized that non-compliance with this regulation is a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, remains committed to combating smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes,” Maiwada stated.

Another Major Achievement in Seme Border

In a related development, the NCS Seme Area Command reported that it facilitated the export of 28,395.293 metric tonnes of produce, equivalent to 806 trucks, with a Free-on-Board value of N7.8 billion, approximately $4.9 million, in February.

The Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, disclosed that the command also paid N39.2 million to the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme during the period under review.

These recent achievements by the Nigeria Customs Service reflect its unwavering dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economy and enforcing financial regulations to prevent illicit financial flows.