From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command has intercepted foreign currencies, valued at the sum of N653, 987, 268.5 million from a suspect at Malam Aminu Kano Airport in Kano State.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Kano Command of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), held on Tuesday in Kano, the Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, said the command had intercepted the hard currencies from the principal suspect, Ahmed Salisu with a Ghanian Passport G5347658.
According to Abubakar, the suspect arrived the country from Saudi Arabia onboard
Ethiopian Airline at about 12:15 pm on 7th July 2025.
On arrival, according to the Comptroller, the suspect, like other passengers, was duly reminded of his obligation to declare any foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 USD in his possession, but declined to do so.
He explained that acting based on intelligence, the suspect and his luggage were flagged for further search by ever vigilant officers on duty.
He said upon search of the passenger’s baggage, foreign currencies, including $420,900 USD, 3,946,500 (XOF) CFA, 224,000(XAF) CFA and £5,825 British Pounds Sterling.
“The total amount of interception in Naira is valued at 653, 987, 268.5 million Naira. It is important to mention that the ever-changing dynamics of these criminals presents a challenge to law enforcement.
“The concealment of these huge amount of currencies in cartons of clothing represents the height of desperation to distract attention. But as they think, we are several steps ahead of them,” he said.
While handing over the exhibit to the EFCC, the Comptroller disclosed that the Command, alongside anti-graft agency had commenced what he described as holistic investigation into the case.
According to him, arrests have been made and investigation and prosecution are underway.
“The success of these interception once again sends a clear message to the criminal elements that our surveillance system is
active and alive. No matter how many time they try, we will by grace of God Almighty get them, to keep our country safe,” he added.
The Comptroller noted that, section 3 of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 as well as Section 55 of Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 mandate travellers with currencies or other negotiable instrument in excess of $10,000 to declare to Customs.
He further explained that “and where a person fails to make such declaration, the Nigeria Customs Service shall duly effect arrest and commence necessary investigation leading to prosecution. What we are all witnessing today is one case of flagrant disregard for the law and a criminal attempt to evade controls”.
The Comptroller recalled that sometimes in April 2025, the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs to the Service to embark on sensitization of the general public on the need for currency declarations by travellers in and out of the country began.
Consequently, the Kano/Jigawa collaborated with the EFCC and ICPC on sensitization workshops and outreaches to stakeholders such as Bureau de Change operators, airline operators, travel agencies, manufacturers amongst others, in order to raise awareness on the existence of a currency declaration regime and regulatory requirements for travellers to simply declare foreign currencies in their possession at points of entry and exit into Nigeria.
In his remarks while receiving the exhibit, the Zonal Director, EFCC Kano Command, Ibrahim Shazali, said the suspects’ act was a blatant attempt to evade the statutory declaration requirements to move funds in and outside Nigeria.
He said the suspects are currently in custody, adding that the arrest and seizure were effected 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.
“We urge the public, particularly stakeholders within the aviation sector, BDCs and financial institutions, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of large volumes of cash. Protecting the integrity of our economy is a collective responsibility.
“Finally, let me reiterate our gratitude to the Nigerian Customs Service for their invaluable partnership. This successful operation exemplifies what we can achieve together. The EFCC remains resolutely committed to its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly with all sister agencies to stem illicit financial flows and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests,” he said.
