The Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, on Wednesday handed over intercepted precious metals valued at N116,280,000 and a suspect to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an attempted illegal export through the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The handover took place on Wednesday 18 February, 2026, at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, where DC Adamu formally transferred the suspect and the recovered items weighing 22.80 kilogrammes to the Director, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Office, Kano, Friday Ebelo, for further investigation.
DC Adamu said the interception occurred earlier the same day at about 0930 hours when officers at the baggage section of the airport flagged a passenger during routine screening.
“During non-intrusive scanning, one of the passenger’s luggage was selected for secondary examination. Upon physical inspection, officers discovered 22.80kg of suspected silver bars concealed in the baggage, with an estimated value of N116,280,000.” DC Adamu said.
Investigation carried out by the Customs Police Unit of the Command reveals that the suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, a holder of a Republic of Sudan passport, was scheduled to travel on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 to the United Arab Emirates at the time of interception.
According to the Acting Controller, the passenger claimed the items were sourced from the Niger Republic but failed to provide export documentation or evidence of declaration as required by law.
“In line with established procedures, the passenger and the items were detained and moved to the Customs House for documentation and preliminary inquiry.” DC Adamu stated.
He explained that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the Service is mandated to regulate and control the export of goods, including precious metals, in order to safeguard national revenue and protect the country’s economic interests.
“The unlawful movement of regulated items across our borders is a violation of statutory provisions and attracts appropriate sanctions.” He said.
DC Adamu added that the decision to hand over the suspect to the EFCC was informed by the financial implications of the case and the Commission’s statutory responsibility in handling economic and financial crimes.
“This development further underscores the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the EFCC in safeguarding the integrity of our country.” He said.
He commended the vigilance of officers at the airport and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to enforce compliance without compromise.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while preventing illicit financial flows from undermining our economy.” He added.
In his response, Friday Ebelo, Director, EFCC Zonal Office, Kano, commended the professionalism of Customs officers and assured that the Commission would carry out a thorough investigation.
“We must do everything to protect this country. This action sends a clear message that Nigeria is serious about tackling illicit financial flows. Those involved and their sponsors will understand that the government is firm in enforcing the law.” Ebelo said.
