How Customs intercepts N650m foreign currencies at airport

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Area Command has revealed that men of the service have arrested one Ahmed Salisu who is holding a Ghanaian passport and also intercepted undeclared foreign currency worth over N650 million at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.

Revealing this during an official handing over of the intercepted currencies and the arrested individuals to the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC), Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar stated that the service in collaboration with the EFCC had earlier held a stakeholders sensitization workshop in April this year to let the stakeholders understand what it means for a traveler to declare any excess currency he or she is carrying which is above the stipulated amount.

He explained that unfortunately people are not so keen in adhering to the laws governing the activities of the nation’s security agencies adding that it’s the duty of the service to prevent and control such acts that may have negative effect on the nation’s international image as well as acts that may subject the citizens to danger.

He further revealed that the foreign currencies intercepted include $420,900; £5,825, 946,500 Republic of Niger, CFA and 224,000 Cameroonian CFA).

He added that three people have so far arrested in connection with the intercepted currencies and the service will hand them all over to the EFCC for upward investigations.

While receiving the intercepted currencies, the EFCC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Ibrahim Shazali said the development is a clear indication of the existing working synergy between the two organizations.

According to him, the commission in collaboration with the NCS will continue to investigate the matter and those found wanting will be taken before the court for prosecution.

“The suspects are currently in custody as you can see. This arrest and seizure were affected under the clear provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2022 and relevant sections of the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023, which strictly regulate the movement of currency across Nigerian borders.

This interception 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 said.