By seaflyponews 
Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Over $1.1 Million and SR135,900 in Undeclared Foreign Currency at Kano Airport
By Babatunde Aremu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure occurred during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight SV401 from Saudi Arabia. During the physical examination of her luggage, Customs officers discovered the undeclared cash concealed inside packs of palm-date fruits, locally known as “Dabino.”
Strict Enforcement of Financial Regulations
The interception aligns with the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial transactions across Nigeria’s borders. Following established procedures, the suspect and the seized currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Subsequently, a court convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government, in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The NCS has reiterated that all travelers are required to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Failure to comply constitutes a legal violation and carries severe penalties.
Commitment to National Security and Economic Stability
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains committed to curbing smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. This latest seizure underscores the Service’s determination to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and ensure strict compliance with financial regulations.
The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance financial compliance, and safeguard the nation’s economy. Travelers and financial stakeholders are advised to remain vigilant and comply with all financial laws to avoid legal repercussions.