The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 (Saudi Riyals) undeclared foreign currency smuggled into Nigeria by a Saudi Airline passenger inbound Nigeria, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
Customs said the seizure was made recentlly during a routine baggage check on the passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by NCS Officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino.
Customs spokesman, Abdollahi Maiwada said the seizure of the hard currencies aligned with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“In line with established procedures, 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 line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” Maiwada said in a statement.
The Service reiterated that all travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country.
“The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties,” he warned.
Customs further urged the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.
The service reiterated that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remained resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
“The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy,” Maiwada added.
