Customs Seizes N1.86bn in Undeclared Foreign Currency at Kano Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted foreign currencies worth N1.86 billion from a traveller at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed that the undeclared currencies—$1,154,900 and SR135,900—were seized from Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airlines Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. The money was discovered hidden inside palm-date fruit packs during a routine baggage check by Customs officers.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows. In line with due process, 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,” Maiwada stated.
Following legal proceedings, Abdullahi was convicted, and the undeclared funds were forfeited to the federal government under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. Customs reiterated that all travellers must declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or exiting Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the NCS Seme Command announced it facilitated the export of 28,000 metric tonnes of goods worth N7.85 billion to neighbouring countries in February 2025.
Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, revealed that the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) generated N39.26 million, with an additional N2.43 million surcharge. The command also collected N743.7 million in revenue while intercepting contraband worth N267 million.
Seized items included 444 parcels of cannabis sativa, 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of codeine syrup, 1,809 bags of smuggled rice, 240 kegs of petrol, used shoes, clothing, and tyres. The intercepted drugs were handed over to the NDLEA for further action.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasised the command’s commitment to strengthening border security and warned smugglers of intensified surveillance and intelligence-driven operations. “The Seme Command will continue leveraging trade facilitation initiatives to foster economic growth while cracking down on illicit activities,” he said.
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