The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted over ₦653 million worth of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), in what has been described as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against illicit financial flows and money laundering.

The seizure, which included multiple foreign currencies concealed in cartons of clothing, was announced during a press briefing held at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano, on Tuesday. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime and have been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, who addressed the press on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the interception as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to curb financial crimes tied to smuggling networks.

He disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence and routine screening at the airport. The lead suspect, identified as Ahmed Salisu, a holder of a Ghanaian passport, had arrived from Saudi Arabia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Despite being reminded of the legal obligation to declare any foreign currency above $10,000 upon entry, Salisu declined.

“Acting on intelligence, our vigilant officers flagged him for further checks, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash hidden in cartons of clothing,” Abubakar said.

A physical inspection revealed foreign currencies totaling:

$420,900 (US Dollars)

£5,825 (British Pounds)

3,946,500 West African CFA Francs

224,000 Central African CFA Francs

The total cash haul was valued at over ₦653.9 million.

Abubakar praised the diligence of his officers and reaffirmed the NCS\'s commitment to national security and inter-agency cooperation. “This interception is a testament to proactive enforcement, sustained stakeholder engagement, and our renewed focus on border surveillance,” he noted. “We are not just detecting—we are deterring.”

He added that the operation was part of wider efforts launched earlier this year under CGC Adeniyi’s directive to sensitize the public on the importance of currency declaration. Targeted outreach programs were conducted across Kano and Jigawa States, reaching Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airlines, and pilgrimage boards.

Speaking on behalf of the EFCC, the Zonal Director of its Kano Office commended the Customs Service for the successful interception and seamless handover. He emphasized that the incident underscores the threat of cash smuggling to Nigeria’s national security.

“This case is not just about money. It’s about protecting Nigeria from the funding of terrorism, banditry, and transnational crimes,” he said, citing the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which mandate the declaration of any foreign currency exceeding $10,000 at entry or exit points.

He pledged that the EFCC would pursue the case to its logical conclusion and urged other stakeholders in the aviation and financial sectors to stay alert and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prevent future infractions.