Security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, have intercepted over 6.1 million dollars in cash following an attempt by some individuals to board a domestic flight without declaring the foreign currency.
According to multiple airport sources, the individuals were apprehended after airline and aviation security personnel noticed suspicious movements involving several heavy boxes being taken to the foot of the aircraft without following standard procedures.
The undeclared cash was discovered during routine checks as the individuals attempted to board an Aero Contractors flight. Although the number of suspects was not immediately confirmed, they were promptly arrested by anti-graft agency operatives on duty.
It was gathered that the suspects had passed through airport security checkpoints before being intercepted at the aircraft by Aero Contractors’ security officials, who noticed the unusually heavy luggage. The matter was then reported to Aviation Security, which subsequently handed the suspects over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Sources at the airport disclosed that the individuals claimed to be security agents escorting a suspect and exhibits. However, they failed to declare the large sums of money or follow due procedures for transporting suspects on commercial flights.
Their explanation raised suspicion at the boarding gate, prompting AVSEC officers to intervene. Aero Contractors’ officials confirmed the incident, saying the airline’s security team became alarmed when the individuals refused to check in their heavy bags.
An airline official explained that after questioning, the individuals admitted the bags contained money, which they had not declared. “They claimed to be security agents escorting a suspect along with exhibits, but they did not follow the standard protocols for such operations,” the official said.
He added that procedures for transporting suspects require prior notification and coordination with the airline, noting that such cases are handled separately from regular passengers. “Since they failed to follow due process, they were not allowed to board,” the official added.
Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the terminal operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, have yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken over the case and is probing two of the suspects over the undeclared foreign currency as investigations continue.
