Customs Intercepts Foreign Currencies Worth N1.86billion From....

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday, said it intercepted foreign currencies worth N1.86 billion from a traveller at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the foreign currencies intercepted are the United States dollar and Saudi Riyals.

According to him, the currencies which were not declared upon entry by the passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, were intercepted after a routine physical examination check by the officers of the service at the airport.

Maiwada, however, stated that the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action.

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airlines Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
“During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by NCS officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino. This interception aligns with Nigeria
Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and necessary legal action.”
Speaking further, the Customs spokesman disclosed that the Abdullahi had forfeited the currency to the federal government even as he advised that travellers must declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country.
“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 of 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, MFR, 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 ended.