The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
Nigeria Customs Service Scores Big in Currency Smuggling Crackdown
By prince Benson Davies
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted over N653 million worth of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The seizure was announced on July 8, 2025, during a press briefing where the intercepted funds and three suspects were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, described the interception as a milestone in the ongoing crackdown on financial crimes linked to smuggling networks and money laundering. The suspect, Ahmed Salisu, a holder of a Ghanaian passport, was found with concealed foreign currencies hidden inside cartons of clothing, amounting to $420,900, £5,825, 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs.
The interception underscores the Service’s dedication to national security and its collaboration with other agencies, particularly the EFCC and ICPC, in preserving Nigeria’s financial and territorial integrity. The EFCC Zonal Director praised the synergy between both agencies and reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to pursue prosecution of the case following the law.
The Customs Area Controller emphasised that the goal is not only to detect but also to deter, sending a clear message to criminal networks that they are being watched and will take action. The EFCC official also stressed that cash smuggling has been a funding lifeline for terrorism, banditry, and transnational crimes.
