Customs Intercepts Over $1.1m in Undeclared Foreign Currency at Kano Airport
Kano, Nigeria – March 13, 2025 – In a major crackdown on financial crime, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a staggering $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State. The suspect, identified as Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, was apprehended upon arrival from Saudi Arabia aboard Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.
The interception, confirmed by NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada in an official statement on Thursday, was made during a routine baggage check. The concealed cash was discovered hidden within palm-date fruit packs, locally referred to as Dabino, raising concerns over the increasing sophistication of smuggling tactics used to evade financial regulations.
Crackdown on Illicit Financial Flows
The NCS emphasized that the seizure aligns with its commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders. The discovery also underscores the persistent challenge of money laundering and illegal currency movements in and out of the country.
Following the discovery, the suspect and the seized foreign currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal proceedings. According to the statement, the court has since convicted Abdullahi, ordering the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in accordance with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The Legal and Economic Implications
This latest interception raises critical questions about compliance with financial laws and the enforcement of anti-money laundering measures. Under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995, travelers are required to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.
Non-compliance with these regulations is a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The Customs Service has reiterated its warning to travelers, urging strict adherence to these legal provisions to avoid legal consequences.
Strengthening Border Security
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS has intensified efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. This latest seizure serves as a strong message to those attempting to circumvent the law, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Customs Service has also vowed to continue working closely with relevant government agencies to enhance border security, enforce financial laws, and safeguard the nation’s economy. It has called on stakeholders in the financial sector to remain vigilant and ensure compliance with lawful financial practices.
A Wake-Up Call for Financial Oversight
The interception at Kano Airport is yet another example of the pressing need for stringent financial monitoring and greater public awareness of currency declaration requirements. As Nigeria faces mounting economic challenges, preventing illicit financial outflows remains a crucial step toward stabilizing the economy and upholding the integrity of the financial system.
This case serves as a stark reminder that financial crimes, if left unchecked, could undermine national security and economic stability. Authorities are urged to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and ensure that financial crimes are met with swift and decisive action.
With more sophisticated methods being employed by smugglers, the NCS and other law enforcement agencies must continue to evolve their strategies to combat illicit financial activities. The success of this operation highlights the importance of vigilance, inter-agency cooperation, and public compliance with financial laws to safeguard Nigeria’s economic future.
Rerefence
Customs Intercepts Over $1.1m in Undeclared Foreign Currency at Kano Airport