Customs intercepts ‘undeclared’ $420,000 concealed in cartons at Kano airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says its operatives have intercepted “undeclared” $420,000 and other foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The seizure was announced on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Customs House in Bompai.

Three suspects were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

Dalhatu Abubakar, comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, said the arrest followed credible intelligence and a clearance operation by officers at the airport.

He said Ahmed Salisu, a passenger with a Ghanaian passport, was flagged after arriving from Saudi Arabia aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

“Upon arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000,” he said.

The comptroller said a physical inspection of the passenger’s baggage led to the discovery of foreign currencies hidden inside cartons of clothing.

The items recovered include $420,900, £5,825, 3.9 million West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, all valued at N653.9 million.

Abubakar said the suspect failed to declare the funds on arrival as required by law.

He added that the interception reflects ongoing collaboration with the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to protect Nigeria’s financial system and security.