Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a significant sum of undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State. The seizure, which included $1,154,900 and SR135,900, was made during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement by NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada, the interception occurred when officers conducted a physical examination of the luggage of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401. The undeclared currency was discovered concealed within packs of palm-date fruit, locally known as Dabino.
The NCS emphasized that the seizure aligns with its commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders. The suspect and the seized funds have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action.
In line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, a court has since convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government.
The NCS reiterated the importance of compliance with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the requirement for travelers to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country. Violations of these regulations, as outlined in the Money Laundering Act and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995, attract severe penalties.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains steadfast in its efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. This latest seizure underscores the Service’s dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring adherence to financial laws.
The NCS also pledged to continue collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial regulations, and safeguard the nation’s economy. Travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector were urged to remain vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices to avoid legal consequences.
