The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals as undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Customs Seizes was made during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
According to the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, “Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi”. The undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino.
Maiwada explained that the interception aligns with the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
He emphasized that the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
The Customs spokesperson mentioned that 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.
He emphasized that non-compliance with Nigeria’s financial regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian Law and attracts severe penalties.
Maiwada reiterated that all travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.
He maintained that 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.
The NCS has been working tirelessly to combat smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
The service has been collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria economy.
In a related development, the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, announced that it facilitated a total of 28,395.293 metric tonnes of export produce, equivalent to 806 trucks with a Free-on-Board value of N7.8 billion in February.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, announced this while addressing journalists at the command in Seme-Krake Border.
The seizure of undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport highlights the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows. The service remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.