By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies equivalent to about N654 million as part of its efforts to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.
The Comptroller of the command, Dalhatu Abubakar,announced this at a joint press conference he addressed alongside the Kano Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFFCC), Ibrahim Shazali, in Kano on Tuesday.
Abubakar said the interception was effected by the personnel of the command at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Monday.
He listed the foreign currencies as
420,900 United States dollars, 3,946,500 CFA Francs (XOF),224,000 CFA Francs (XAF) and
5,825 British Pounds Sterling.
“Note that, Section 3 of the Money
Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 as well as Section 55() of Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 mandate
travellers with currencies or other negotiable instrument in excess of 10,000 United States Dollars to declare to Customs and where
a person fails to make such declaration, the Nigeria Customs Service shall duly effect arrest and commence necessary
investigation leading to prosecution.
“What we are all witnessing today is one case of flagrant disregard for the law and a criminal
attempt to evade controls.
“This monetary exhibit and suspects, before us today, were arrested by the officers of the Service, working in close synergy with other agencies and partners within and outside the country.
“The suspect Name – Ahmed Salisu with a Ghanian Passport G5347658 arrived the country from Saudi Arabia onboard
Ethiopian Airline at about 1215hrs on 7 July 2025.
“On arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was duly reminded of his
obligation to declare any foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding 10,000 USD in his possession, but declined
to do so.
“But acting based on intelligence, the suspect and his luggage were flagged for further search by ever vigilant officers
on duty. Upon search of the passenger’s baggage, the following currencies were discovered:
a. 420,900 USD.
b. 3,946,500 CFA Francs (XOF).
c. 224,000 CFA Francs (XAF).
d. 5,825 British Pounds Sterling.
“The total amount of interception in Naira is valued at 653, 987, 268.5 million Naira. It is important to mention that the ever-changing dynamics of these criminals presents a challenge to law enforcement.
“The concealment of these huge amount of currencies in cartons of clothing represents the height of desperation to distract attention. But as they think, we are several steps ahead of them,” he said.
The Comptroller said the Command alongside The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) had commenced holistic investigation into the case.
He said arrests had been made and investigation and prosecution of the case had commenced.
In his address,the EFCC Zonal Director said: “the interception was is not just about the significant amount recovered;it sends a powerful, unequivocal message.
“The EFCC and the Nigerian Customs Service, working in concert, have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling. Our surveillance is active,our intelligence is sharp, and our resolve to apprehend offenders is unwavering. Attempting to circumvent our financial laws and border controls is a futile and costly endeavor,” he added.
The Comptroller then handed over the confiscated foreign currencies to the EFCC Zonal Director for further and necessary action.