Security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA1) in Lagos have arrested a group of passengers found in possession of a staggering $6.1 million in cash, sparking nationwide attention and renewed concerns over illicit financial movements. The suspects, reportedly a group of young men, were intercepted at the domestic terminal while preparing to board an Aero Contractors flight, according to a Premium Times report.

Multiple security sources familiar with the operation disclosed that the suspects are believed to be couriers for a politically exposed person (PEP), though their identities and intended destination have not yet been revealed. Aviation Security (AVSEC) operatives became suspicious during routine screening checks, leading to the discovery of the unusually large sum of foreign currency. The suspects have since been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation and further investigation. “We are still working with the EFCC to unravel the full details,” a senior AVSEC official confirmed on Saturday.

The incident draws parallels to a 2020 case in which Nigerian Customs operatives at the same airport seized $8,065,612 that was being illegally transported out of the country. Then-Comptroller-General Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) had credited that interception to intelligence efforts aimed at curbing money laundering through Nigeria’s airports. The latest seizure underscores ongoing challenges in tackling illicit cash movement and the complex network linking airport operations, financial crimes, and political influence.

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