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.

Spokesperson for the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, the seizure was made during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.

“During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, officers discovered the undeclared currency concealed within packs of palm-date fruit, locally referred to as dabino,” Maiwada stated.

He explained that in line with standard procedures, both the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action.

“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in accordance with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” he added.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders. It also reminded travelers of their legal obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.

“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. Non-compliance constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and carries severe penalties,” the statement read.

Maiwada emphasised that under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains resolute in its fight against smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.

“This latest seizure underscores the NCS’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring strict compliance with financial regulations,” he said.

The Service further assured that it would continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.

“Travelers and financial sector stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices to avoid legal repercussions,” the statement added.