The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted foreign currencies worth over ₦650 million at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.
The Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, disclosed this during the official handover of the seized currencies and the suspect to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Customs headquarters in Kano.
He revealed that the money was confiscated from a Ghanaian national, Ahmad Salisu, who arrived from Saudi Arabia via Ethiopian Airlines on July 7, 2025. Customs officers apprehended the suspect after he failed to declare the large sums of foreign currency in his possession, as required by law.
“A thorough search of his luggage uncovered $420,900, 3,946,500 West African CFA francs (XOF), 224,000 Central African CFA francs (XAF), and 5,825 British Pounds Sterling which value was estimated at ₦650,987,268.50, he said.”
He noted that the seizure and arrest were made possible through close collaboration with the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
While receiving the intercepted currencies the EFCC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Ibrahim Shazali said the development is a clear indication of the existing working synergy between the two organizations. According to him the commission in collaboration with the NCS will continue to investigate the matter and those found wanting will be taken before the court for prosecution.
“The suspects are currently in custody as you can see. This arrest and seizure were affected under the clear provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2022 and relevant sections of the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023, which strictly regulate the movement of currency across Nigerian borders,” he revealed.
