Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted undeclared foreign currency worth $1,154,900 and SR135,900 (Saudi Riyals) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State, officials announced Thursday.
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, according to NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada.
During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, Customs officers discovered the undeclared currency ingeniously concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as “Dabino.”
“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,” Maiwada stated.
The court has since convicted the defendant and ordered 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 interception aligns with the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders, the spokesman noted.
The NCS reiterated 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,” Maiwada warned.
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.
The Customs Service pledged to continue collaborating 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.
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