Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have seized undeclared foreign currency amounting to $1,154,900 and SR135,900 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State.
NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada revealed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to Maiwada, the seizure occurred during a routine baggage check involving an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
During the physical inspection of the passenger’s luggage, NCS officers discovered the undeclared currency concealed inside packs of palm dates, locally known as Dabino.
Maiwada emphasized that the interception reflects the NCS’s dedication to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“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 statement read.
“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged 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.
“The Service reiterates that all travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The Service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
“The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
“Travellers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices,” he added.