Nigeria Customs Intercepts Over $1.1 Million, SR135,900 in Undeclared Foreign Currency at Kano Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a substantial haul of undeclared foreign currency amounting to $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure was made during a routine baggage inspection on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement released by the NCS, the foreign currency was concealed within packs of palm-date fruits, locally known as Dabino.
Officers conducting the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage uncovered the hidden cash, underscoring the Service’s commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across the country’s borders.
Following standard procedures, the suspect and the seized currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action.
A court subsequently convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government, in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The Nigeria Customs Service reminded all travellers of the legal obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.
The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 establish clear guidelines on currency declaration, with non-compliance constituting a violation of Nigerian law and attracting severe penalties.
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains resolute in its drive to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
This latest interception highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
The NCS assured the public that it would continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security and enhance compliance with financial laws.
Travellers and financial sector stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and comply fully with Nigeria’s financial regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
