The Nigeria Customs Service has announced a significant seizure of undeclared foreign currency totaling over N653 million at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. In a statement issued Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service confirmed that three suspects involved in the illicit financial activity have been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

According to Customs Area Controller Dalhatu Abubakar, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence and heightened airport surveillance. One of the suspects, Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian passport holder arriving from Saudi Arabia, was found with foreign currency concealed inside cartons of clothing in his luggage. A thorough search revealed $420,900, £5,825, 3.9 million West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs—all undeclared.

Abubakar emphasized that this operation is part of a broader campaign launched by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to combat smuggling and enforce proper currency declaration. He said the Command had carried out public sensitization efforts targeting travel-related stakeholders in Kano and Jigawa, underscoring the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s financial systems and border integrity.