The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies concealed in passengers’ luggage at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, in two separate operations involving a total of 827,800 Saudi Riyals, $73,300 and £15,957.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, disclosed this on Friday 14 August, 2026, during a media briefing, explaining that the seizures followed routine passenger screening with Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology and subsequent secondary examination at the interface table with relevant border security agencies.
According to him, the first interception occurred on 8 August 2026 when officers detected 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300 concealed inside footwear in the luggage of a passenger who arrived on a Saudi Air flight at about 2:20 p.m.
The Acting Controller said a second interception was recorded on 12 August 2026, when officers flagged a passenger’s luggage during primary screening and subjected it to further examination, leading to the discovery of $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sportswear shoes.
He identified the passenger involved in the second interception as Haruna Yusuf, who arrived at MAKIA aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941, adding that the discoveries were made through the deployment of technology and established screening procedures.
DC Adamu said the interceptions demonstrated the vigilance of Customs officers in detecting attempts to move undeclared foreign currencies across Nigeria’s borders, adding, “The intercepted currencies and a suspect were being handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, for further investigation and appropriate action, in line with the provisions of the NCS Act 2023.”
Receiving the exhibits and suspect, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Kano Zonal Directorate, Friday Ebelo, commended the Customs Service for its professionalism and cooperation, calling for sustained vigilance at the nation’s entry points to frustrate the activities of money launderers and terrorist financiers.
Ebelo said non-declaration or under-declaration of currency exceeding the $10,000 threshold or its equivalent constitutes a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, assuring that the EFCC would take the necessary legal steps, including seeking an interim forfeiture order where appropriate.
Customs Intensifies Anti-Money Laundering Efforts, Intercepts Undeclared Foreign Currencies in Kano
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