The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has handed over undeclared foreign currency totaling $20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The interception, which occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, was described by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, as a major step in combating illicit financial flows in Nigeria.

According to the Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Shuaibu, the patrol team was conducting routine surveillance along the Babapupa bush path near the Seme Border when they stopped a suspected smuggled Nissan Almera. The driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.

A search revealed the concealed foreign currency, with a combined estimated value of ₦30.8 million. “This arrest underscores the commitment of our officers to disrupt illegal financial operations and protect the Nigerian economy,” Shuaibu said.

He noted that the seizure is in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, both of which require declaration of any currency above $10,000 or its equivalent at border crossings.

Shuaibu also stressed the importance of public awareness, stating that the NCS has recently intensified its sensitisation campaign to educate travelers and stakeholders on the legal obligations surrounding currency declaration.