The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The seizure, which took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, followed intelligence-driven baggage checks on an inbound passenger.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, speaking to journalists at the airport’s international wing, confirmed that the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, a 40-year-old Nigerian, arrived aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Acting on intelligence received earlier that day, Customs officers carried out a detailed search of the suspect’s luggage, uncovering the hidden cash.
According to Adebisi, the concealment of such a large sum of money without declaration constitutes a violation of financial regulations, including the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. These laws require travelers carrying amounts exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent to declare it to Customs upon arrival or departure. Failure to comply can result in the forfeiture of the funds, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.
Advanced scanning technology played a key role in detecting the concealed funds. Customs officers noticed unusual density in the suspect’s luggage during scanning and allowed him to proceed while keeping his baggage under surveillance. A further inspection revealed the undeclared cash hidden inside a yogurt carton, leading to immediate seizure.
Following standard procedures, the intercepted $193,000 has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution. Comptroller Adebisi reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders. He warned that all travelers must comply with cash declaration rules to avoid legal consequences.
He emphasized that the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 provide clear guidelines on currency declaration, adding that non-compliance attracts severe penalties.
The FCT Command, he assured, will continue to work closely with relevant agencies, particularly the EFCC, to strengthen border security and combat financial crimes. He urged travelers and stakeholders to adhere to lawful financial practices and remain vigilant.
Comptroller Adebisi also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership and support, which he said has enhanced operational efficiency across the Service.
