The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigations into a suspected case of illegal cross-border cash smuggling involving undeclared foreign currencies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The suspect, Ahmad Salisu, was intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during a routine luggage check on Monday, July 7, 2025. A search of his baggage reportedly uncovered a stash of foreign currencies wrapped in a polythene bag and hidden beneath clothes.
Preliminary findings revealed the suspect was in possession of $420,900, £5,825, CFA 3,946,500, and 224,000 Cameroonian CFA, all undeclared.
During interrogation, Salisu claimed he was acting on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who is currently in Saudi Arabia. He allegedly intended to hand over the funds to two individuals—Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu—who were later arrested at the airport when they appeared to receive the money.
The EFCC has since taken custody of the suspects and the seized cash for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking at a joint press briefing held at the NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command, EFCC Zonal Director, Ibrahim Shazali, stressed the agency’s commitment to clamping down on illegal financial activities.
“The EFCC and Nigerian Customs have zero tolerance for the smuggling of undeclared funds. We are working in close collaboration to detect and dismantle these criminal financial channels,” Shazali stated.
He encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious movement of large sums of money, particularly at airports and border points.
On his part, the Customs Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, said the incident highlights the critical role of currency declaration protocols in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial integrity.
“The currency declaration regime is not just a routine formality—it is a key weapon in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing,” Abubakar said.
EFCC officials confirmed that charges will be filed against the suspects once investigations are completed.
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