ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, concealed inside a carton of yoghurt.
In a statement issued Friday, March 21, 2025, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada said the discovery was made during a routine inspection, following intelligence received by customs officers.
The cash was found in possession of a passenger who arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The individual allegedly failed to declare the funds, in violation of the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“These laws require all travellers transporting over $10,000 or its equivalent in negotiable instruments to make a declaration upon arrival or departure,” Maiwada stated.
Seized Cash Handed to EFCC
The undeclared cash has since been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
“As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited funds to the EFCC for further necessary action,” the NCS spokesperson said.
Maiwada reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to curbing illicit financial flows and enforcing compliance with financial disclosure laws.
Customs Urges Compliance
He also used the opportunity to remind travellers of their obligations when moving large sums of cash across borders.
“We urge all travellers to comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold,” he said.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the passenger or whether charges have been formally filed. The EFCC is expected to lead further inquiries into the origin and intended use of the funds.
