CurrentReport Blog In a significant operation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency concealed inside a carton of yoghurt. This discovery was made at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, during a routine baggage inspection of an inbound passenger.
The interception followed credible intelligence gathering and the vigilance of NCS officers. Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, the Customs area controller at the airport, confirmed that the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, a 40-year-old passenger, had arrived in Nigeria aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Intelligence and Vigilance Lead to Seizure
Comptroller Adebisi explained that the successful interception resulted from intelligence received earlier in the day, which prompted Customs officers to closely inspect Sarina’s baggage. Upon scanning his luggage, the officers detected an irregular density that raised suspicions. While Sarina was allowed to proceed initially, his baggage was closely monitored. Upon further inspection, it was revealed that the unusual density was due to the concealed foreign currency hidden inside a carton of yoghurt.
Adebisi addressed the press at the airport’s international wing, stating that the $193,000 in cash was undeclared, which constitutes a violation of the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. These regulations require that any traveler carrying funds exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare the amount to the Nigeria Customs Service upon entry or exit from the country.
Violating Anti-Money Laundering Laws
The interception of the undeclared funds underscores the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s financial regulations. According to the law, individuals carrying funds exceeding $10,000 must declare them to Customs authorities. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including the forfeiture of the undeclared funds, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both. In this case, the intercepted $193,000 was in clear violation of these laws, making Sarina liable for prosecution.
Comptroller Adebisi reiterated the legal ramifications for non-compliance with Nigeria’s currency declaration rules, emphasizing that the country’s laws are strict when it comes to the movement of large sums of money. “If a person has funds above $10,000, they must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of the money, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both,” Adebisi explained.
Advanced Technology Aided the Discovery
One of the key factors in the interception was the use of advanced scanning technology at the airport. The scanning process revealed an abnormal density in Sarina’s luggage, prompting officers to conduct further checks. The officers’ suspicion proved correct, as they uncovered the concealed cash hidden within the carton of yoghurt. The role of technology in modernizing Customs operations cannot be overstated, as it significantly enhances the agency’s ability to detect smuggled goods and undeclared currency.
The NCS has long employed state-of-the-art scanning and inspection technology to ensure that travelers comply with Nigeria’s stringent financial regulations, and this case is a clear example of how such tools are critical in preventing illicit financial activities.
Handed Over to EFCC for Investigation
Following the discovery, the seized $193,000 was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution. As required by Nigerian law, the Customs authorities are now working with the EFCC to ensure that the appropriate legal processes are followed, and any wrongdoing is duly prosecuted.
Comptroller Adebisi emphasized that the NCS would continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies such as the EFCC to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. He further stressed that travelers must adhere to Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the $10,000 threshold.
Call for Compliance with Currency Declaration Regulations
The interception of the $193,000 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with Nigeria’s financial laws, particularly the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995. These laws aim to prevent the illegal movement of money and curb activities related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
The NCS continues to monitor all incoming and outgoing flights to ensure that all travelers comply with the country’s currency declaration rules. With the use of advanced scanning technology and intelligence sharing, Customs officers are increasingly able to detect and prevent the smuggling of undeclared foreign currency.
The interception of $193,000 concealed in a carton of yoghurt at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport highlights the effectiveness of Nigeria Customs Service’s enforcement and the importance of complying with the country’s financial regulations. With continued vigilance and advanced technology, the NCS is taking significant steps to combat money laundering and ensure that Nigeria’s borders remain secure from illegal financial activities. Travelers must remember to declare any funds exceeding the $10,000 threshold to avoid legal consequences and ensure compliance with Nigerian law.
