The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti money laundering operations following the interception of undeclared foreign currencies valued at $461,600 from two inbound passengers at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Speaking during the handover of the suspects and the seized funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, said the suspects violated provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The two male passengers arrived from Dubai aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Friday, May 8, 2026. According to Adamu, the passengers initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively.
However, Customs officers subjected their luggage to further examination after a non intrusive inspection raised suspicion. A secondary search later uncovered an additional $151,600 concealed in their luggage, bringing the total amount intercepted to $461,600.
Adamu stated that the action contravened Section 55(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He added that the Service was transferring the suspects, the intercepted currencies and other travel documents to the EFCC in line with Section 4(f) of the Act for further investigation.
He commended the EFCC for its sustained collaboration with the Customs Service in tackling financial crimes and illegal movement of cash across the nation’s borders.
The Acting Controller also praised the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for supporting continuous training and capacity building for Customs officers.
“The suspects contravened Section 55(f) of the NCS Act, 2023. Consequently, in line with Section 4(f) of the NCS Act, 2023, we are handing over the suspects, the intercepted currencies and relevant travel documents to the EFCC for further investigation,” he said.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Kano, Friday Ebelo, lauded the Command for its professionalism and commitment to inter agency cooperation.
Ebelo noted that the non declaration or under declaration of cash exceeding $10,000 violates the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He stressed the need for security agencies to remain vigilant in preventing illicit financial flows through the country’s borders and assured that the case would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
“On behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Commission, I sincerely appreciate the Nigeria Customs Service for its cooperation and unwavering commitment to national service. As we are aware, the non declaration or under declaration of currencies exceeding 10,000 USD contravenes the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to remain vigilant and ensure that illicit financial flows do not pass through our borders. I assure you that this case will be followed to its logical conclusion,” he stated.
The suspects, intercepted funds and relevant documents were officially handed over to the EFCC on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
Comptroller Adamu also urged travellers to declare any cash above the approved threshold while reaffirming the Service’s commitment to combating transnational financial crimes and safeguarding the nation’s borders.