The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command, has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at over ₦653 million and arrested three suspects at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure was announced on Tuesday during a joint press conference addressed by the Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, and the Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Command, Ibrahim Shazali.
According to Comptroller Abubakar, one of the suspects, identified as Ahmed Salisu—a Ghanaian national with passport number G5347658—was arrested on July 7, 2025, around 12:15 p.m. after arriving from Saudi Arabia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“Our officers acted on credible intelligence, working in synergy with both local and international partners,” he said. “Upon arrival, like all passengers, the suspect was reminded of his legal obligation to declare any foreign currency or negotiable instrument exceeding $10,000. Unfortunately, he failed to comply.”
Abubakar said the suspect’s luggage was flagged for inspection. During the search, officers found foreign currencies hidden in cartons of clothing. The recovered amount was estimated at ₦653,987,268.50.
He described the concealment strategy as “a desperate and calculated attempt to beat security,” and said the interception was possible due to the command’s intelligence network.
“This interception is a powerful warning to criminal elements who think they can undermine Nigeria’s financial laws. We are always a step ahead. The collaboration between agencies is strong, and our systems are working efficiently,” Abubakar said.
He added that investigations had begun in collaboration with the EFCC and prosecution is ongoing.
The Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Command, Ibrahim Shazali, who represented the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, said, “This is a clear demonstration of what partnership can achieve. The July 7 operation at MAKIA is not just significant because of the amount recovered, but for the message it sends—Nigeria has zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling.”
He added, “This joint effort underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy. Anyone who attempts to circumvent the law will be tracked, intercepted, and prosecuted to the full extent.”
