The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
According to NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, the foreign currencies were concealed in packs of palm dates and discovered during a routine luggage inspection of a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia on a Saudi Airline flight (SV401).
The suspect was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution. Following a court trial, the individual was convicted, and the undeclared funds were forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Maiwada reiterated that the seizure shows the customs’ commitment to enforcing monetary regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
The NCS therefore urged travelers to comply with financial disclosure laws to avoid legal consequences and strengthen the country’s financial integrity.
