Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts $193,000 Concealed in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport
Customs Seizes Undeclared Funds
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $193,000 (approximately N299.2 million) concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
How it Happened
According to a statement by NCS’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, the seizure took place on Thursday. The suspect was aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Maiwada stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence and a thorough baggage inspection of an inbound passenger.
Intelligence-Led Operation
Acting on intelligence, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash. Maiwada explained that the undeclared funds violate the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Regulatory Requirements
Both Acts mandate that travelers carrying over $10,000 (or its equivalent in negotiable instruments) must declare it to Customs upon arrival or departure. Maiwada highlighted that advanced scanning technology helped detect the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.
Seized Funds Handed Over to EFCC
The seized money has been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution. Maiwada reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across borders. He also urged travelers to comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring compliance with regulations. The seizure of the undeclared funds serves as a warning to travelers to adhere to the laws and regulations governing financial transactions in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the suspect?
- The suspect was a passenger aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- How much was the undeclared funds?
- The undeclared funds were worth $193,000 (approximately N299.2 million).
- What was the purpose of the operation?
- The operation was based on credible intelligence and a thorough baggage inspection of an inbound passenger.
- What happened to the seized funds?
- The seized money was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
