Nigeria Customs Seizes $106,500, Saudi Riyals at Kano Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies totaling $106,500 and 134,256 Saudi riyals at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, in what authorities suspect may be a violation of Nigeria’s anti-money-laundering regulations.
Officials from the Kano/Jigawa Area Command revealed the seizure during a press briefing, explaining that the cash was discovered during intelligence-driven screening of outbound passengers who allegedly failed to declare the funds as required by law.
According to Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Umar-Adamu, the undeclared cash also included 28 Chinese yuan and 20 Ghanaian cedis. He noted that failure to disclose such amounts breaches Nigeria’s financial declaration rules and may constitute a money-laundering offence.
Customs authorities said the suspects, along with the seized currencies, have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The interception was part of a wider anti-smuggling operation across Kano and Jigawa State, during which customs officers also confiscated contraband goods, smuggled vehicles, and suspected counterfeit pharmaceuticals valued at more than ₦1 billion.
Under Nigerian law, travellers carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent must declare the funds to customs authorities when entering or leaving the country, a measure aimed at curbing illicit financial flows and money
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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