The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into one Ahmad Salisu, who was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly smuggling large sums of undeclared foreign currency through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to official sources, Salisu was intercepted during a routine screening on Monday, July 7, 2025, while attempting to board an international flight. A search of his luggage uncovered $420,900 (USD), £5,825 (British Pounds), CFA3,946,500 (West African CFA Franc), and 224,000 Cameroonian CFA hidden inside a polythene bag wrapped in clothing.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Salisu was allegedly transporting the funds on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who is currently in Saudi Arabia. The money was reportedly intended for two recipients—Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu—who were subsequently arrested when they arrived at the airport to collect the funds.
Following their arrest, all three suspects and the recovered cash were handed over to the EFCC by the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and potential prosecution.
At a joint press briefing held at the NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command, EFCC Zonal Director, Commander Ibrahim Shazali, emphasized the agency’s commitment to cracking down on illegal cross-border cash movements.
“The EFCC and Nigerian Customs have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling. Our surveillance is active, our intelligence is sharp, and our resolve to apprehend offenders is unwavering,” Shazali said.
He urged the public, especially stakeholders in the aviation and financial sectors, to remain alert and report any suspicious financial activity, noting that protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s economy is a shared responsibility.
Customs Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, also spoke on the importance of currency declaration at points of entry and exit. He described it as a critical part of Nigeria’s **anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing strategy.
“These laws exist to combat the flow of illicit funds to criminal networks, terrorists, bandits, and drug cartels,” he stated.
The EFCC has confirmed that the suspects will soon be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
