Customs intercepts undeclared foreign currencies at Kano airport

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano-Jigawa Area Command has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies running into millions of Naira at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Briefing journalists yesterday at the command’s headquarters in Kano, Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of the area command, Usman Adamu, said the development was part of achievements recorded in the last three months.

He explained that the intelligence-led operation spotted the victims attempting to travel out of the country with $106,500 and another with 134,256 Saudi Riyals, undeclared foreign currencies, thereby committing a money-laundering offence prohibited under Nigerian law.

The Customs boss said the exhibits had since been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

He added that another intelligence-driven operation resulted in the interception of two brand-new Dong Feng vehicles on the Kano-Hadejia Road and the Maiduguri Road in Kano.

According to Adamu, the contraband vehicles smuggled into Nigeria from Libya via the Niger Republic are worth N97,747,666 in Duty Paid Value. He added that six silver metal bars weighing 12.2 kilogrammes worth N61,000,000 were hidden inside one of the vehicles.

“Other contraband items intercepted include 1,447 pieces of smuggled used pneumatic tyres along Yan Awaki Area Eastern Bye Pass with the DPV  of N28,226,914 million.

“Similarly, on 18 February 2026, an outbound passenger was intercepted with undeclared silver metal bars weighing 22.80kg concealed in his baggage. The passenger failed to make a declaration or present any export document in line with extant laws and regulations.

“The suspect’s action contravened Section 55(f) of the NCS Act 2023. Consequently, the suspects, together with the undeclared currencies and precious metals, had been handed over to the EFCC for necessary action,” Adamu added.