Customs Intercepts Over $1.1 Million in Undeclared Cash at Kano Airport, Smuggler Convicted

In a significant crackdown on illicit financial activities, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a staggering sum of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The interception was made during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived aboard Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.

According to NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada, the illicit currency was discovered concealed within packs of palm-date fruit, commonly known as Dabino. This calculated attempt to evade detection underscores the lengths smugglers go to in defying financial regulations.

“During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, our officers uncovered the undeclared currency hidden inside date fruit packages,” Maiwada stated.

The operation aligns with the Customs Service’s broader mandate to enforce financial regulations and prevent illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

Following the interception, both the suspect and the seized foreign currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for thorough investigation and legal proceedings.

In adherence to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, the suspect was swiftly tried, convicted, and the undeclared funds were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing financial compliance, warning that failure to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the legal threshold constitutes a serious offense.

The Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, remains steadfast in combating illicit financial transactions, smuggling, and other cross-border crimes.

“This seizure is a clear demonstration of our unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” the statement read.

The NCS pledged continued collaboration with other government agencies and stakeholders to bolster border security, enforce financial laws, and protect the nation’s economy from criminal activities.

As part of ongoing efforts to curb money laundering and illicit transactions, travellers and stakeholders in the financial sector have been urged to adhere strictly to Nigeria’s financial regulations to avoid severe legal consequences.