Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals in undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The discovery was made during a routine physical examination of a passenger’s luggage, where the currencies were concealed in packs of palm dates, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.
The passenger, who had arrived from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline flight No. SV401, was arrested and later charged in court for failing to declare the foreign currencies in violation of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Maiwada stated.
Following prosecution, the court convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the funds to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Maiwada noted that this latest seizure highlights the NCS’s commitment to enforcing monetary regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“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,” he warned.
He reminded travelers that they are required to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria.
The NCS spokesperson emphasized that under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains resolute in combating smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other cross-border crimes.
“This latest seizure highlights the service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” Maiwada added.
