Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Over $1.1 Million at Kano's Airport -

By Hassan Kano

In a significant seizure, 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 was made during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.

Concealed Currency

The undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino. This interception aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

Legal Action

In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action. The court subsequently convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

Financial Regulations

The NCS has reiterated that all travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country. Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.

Combatting Smuggling and Illicit Transactions

Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. The Service will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.