The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undisclosed foreign currencies valued at ₦653,987,268.50 from a Ghanaian national, Ahmed Salisu, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

 

The arrest was made on Monday, July 7, 2025, when the suspect arrived aboard Ethiopian Airlines from Saudi Arabia at approximately 12:15 p.m. According to the NCS, Salisu failed to declare the substantial amount of cash in his possession, violating customs regulations.

 

During the official handover of the seized currencies to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, July 8, at the NCS Bompai Headquarters in Kano, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command described the operation as a significant achievement in the fight against illicit financial flows.

 

“On arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was duly reminded of his obligation to declare any foreign currency or negotiable instrument exceeding $10,000. He declined to do so,” Abubakar stated.

 

 

 

Acting on intelligence, Customs officers flagged Salisu and subjected his luggage to an intensive search. The officers discovered the concealed cash stashed inside cartons of clothing.

 

Breakdown of Intercepted Currencies:

 

$420,900 USD

 

3,946,500 CFA Francs (XOF)

 

224,000 CFA Francs (XAF)

 

£5,825 GBP

 

 

The Comptroller praised the vigilance and professionalism of his personnel as well as the effective collaboration with other security agencies in the state. He expressed hope that the synergy among enforcement institutions would continue to yield impactful results.

 

The seized funds and the suspect were formally handed over to the EFCC, whose Zonal Director led the commission’s delegation to the handover ceremony.

 

UGAMA TV reports that further investigations are expected to be carried out by the EFCC to determine the source, purpose, and potential criminal connections of the intercepted funds.