The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its clampdown on cross-border currency violations, intercepting over $480,000 and other currencies across major land borders and airports between July and October 2025.
According to official data obtained exclusively by Shipping Position Daily from the NCS headquarters, the seizures were recorded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos), Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano), and the Seme land border, where officers arrested suspects attempting to smuggle or conceal undeclared foreign currencies.
Among the cases recorded, a suspect identified as Ahmed Salisu was apprehended at the Kano Airport on July 7, while arriving from Saudi Arabia with undeclared sums totaling $420,900, 4.17 million CFA, and 400 Saudi Riyals. The suspect failed to declare the funds as required by law and was subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Similarly, on July 8, a foreign national, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for under-declaring his cash. While he declared $6,000, officers discovered an additional $23,000, bringing the total to $29,000. He was also transferred to the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate.
In another incident along the Seme border, a roving Customs patrol team intercepted an abandoned vehicle loaded with $20,000 and 110,000 CFA, believed to have been smuggled through an unapproved route. The items were similarly handed over to the EFCC for investigation.
A fourth case involved Ms. Phil-Olumba Ifunaya Sheila, who was arrested at the Lagos airport on July 22 for attempting to depart for London with undeclared $14,567, £1,030, and CAD 40, after declaring only $4,000 and £1,000.
The Service disclosed that all intercepted currencies and suspects have been handed over to the EFCC for prosecution in line with Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws and international financial reporting standards.
