The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to curb illegal cross-border cash movement following the interception of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Details of the Interception
In a statement issued to newsmen on 12 May 2026, the Command's Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Tahir Balarabe, disclosed that the suspects arrived in Kano from Dubai on 8 May 2026 aboard Ethiopian Airlines. The individuals initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively, but non-intrusive baggage profiling raised suspicion, prompting further investigation. A subsequent search uncovered an additional $151,600 hidden and undeclared, bringing the total to $461,600.
Handover to EFCC
The suspects, along with the seized currency and relevant documents, were formally handed over by Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu to the Acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano, Friday Ebelo, at the Command's headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
DC Usman stated that the suspects violated provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, emphasizing that travelers are legally obligated to make honest currency declarations. “In line with Section 4(f) of the same Act, we are formally handing over the suspects, the intercepted currencies, and all relevant travel documents to the EFCC for further investigation,” he said. He also commended the EFCC and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for continuous officer training and intelligence-driven enforcement.
EFCC's Commitment
Friday Ebelo, receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, reiterated that any traveler carrying funds exceeding $10,000 must declare them. “Anything short of that raises serious concerns about money laundering. I want to assure you that this case will be pursued to its logical conclusion,” he stated.
