Nigerian customs officials have warned that cash smuggling remains a major funding route for terrorism and organised crime, after intercepting more than £420,000 worth of undeclared foreign currency at Kano Airport.
During a press conference on Monday at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano, three suspects – including a Ghanaian national, Ahmed Salisu – were handed over to Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following the seizure at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, head of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, said the arrest was made after officers acted on intelligence regarding passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“This interception is a milestone in our efforts to dismantle smuggling networks and financial crime syndicates,” Mr Abubakar said. “It demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our officers to protecting Nigeria’s financial integrity.”
According to customs officials, Mr Salisu failed to declare the large sums despite repeated reminders about the mandatory disclosure of any currency exceeding $10,000.
A search uncovered $420,900 (USD), £5,825 (GBP), 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs concealed inside cartons of clothing. The total seizure is valued at over ₦653.9 million.
Handing the suspects over on Monday, EFCC Zonal Director in Kano praised the vigilance of customs officers and warned that such smuggling attempts could have grave security implications.
“This seizure is about more than money; it is about national security,” he said. “Cash smuggling continues to serve as a funding lifeline for terrorism, banditry, and transnational organised crime.”
The EFCC cited Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which require declaration of any foreign currency exceeding $10,000 at all borders.
Customs further stated that it had intensified public awareness campaigns among Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airlines, and pilgrim boards across Kano and Jigawa to curb illicit financial flows.
“We urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and collaborate to prevent future violations,” the EFCC added.
