The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The seizure occurred during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
During a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, customs officers discovered the undeclared cash concealed inside packs of palm-date fruits (Dabino). The interception is part of the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
Following standard procedures, both the suspect and the seized currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action. A court has since convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the federal government, in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its stance on financial regulations, emphasizing that all travelers must comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country. The Money Laundering Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 provide clear guidelines on currency declarations. Violations of these laws attract severe penalties.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains committed to combating smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. This latest seizure underscores the service’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
The NCS has pledged to continue working with government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and protect Nigeria’s economy. Travelers and financial sector stakeholders are advised to adhere strictly to legal financial practices to avoid prosecution.