Customs Seize $1.1 Million and SR135,900 in Undeclared Currency at Kano Airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently confiscated $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.

According to Maiwada, the discovery was made during a routine baggage inspection of an arriving passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who came in on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. He explained that customs officers conducting the physical examination of the luggage found the undeclared money hidden inside packs of palm-date fruits, locally known as Dabino.

Maiwada emphasized that the operation aligns with the NCS’s ongoing efforts to enforce financial regulations and curb illegal financial activities at the country’s borders. He noted that the seized currency, along with the suspect, had been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for additional investigations and legal proceedings.

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“The court has since convicted the defendant and ordered that the undeclared funds be forfeited to the Federal Government,” Maiwada said. He stated this was in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

Maiwada also stressed the importance of compliance with Nigerian laws requiring travelers to declare cash amounts or negotiable instruments exceeding the legal threshold when entering or leaving the country. “Failure to comply with these regulations is a violation of Nigerian law and is met with severe penalties,” he added.

Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS has pledged continued efforts to combat smuggling, illegal financial transactions, and other border crimes. Maiwada remarked, “This latest interception underscores the service’s dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring adherence to financial laws.”

He reaffirmed that the service would continue collaborating with relevant government bodies and stakeholders to enhance border security and maintain compliance with financial regulations. Maiwada also advised travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector to remain vigilant and ensure lawful financial practices are followed.

In a related event, the Seme Area Command of the NCS announced on Thursday that it facilitated the export of over 28,395 metric tonnes of goods in February. This volume, equivalent to 806 trucks, had a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of N7.8 billion.

Customs Area Controller Dr. Ben Oramalugo disclosed these figures during a media briefing at the Seme-Krake Border. “The command facilitated exports amounting to over 28,395 metric tonnes, valued at N7.8 billion, or approximately $4.9 million,” Oramalugo said.

He added that during the same period, the command contributed N39.2 million to the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme.

Oramalugo commended his team’s efforts and stressed the command’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s export trade by ensuring compliance with international trade standards.