By Peter Dansu The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has intercepted a large stash of undeclared fore...
By Peter Dansu
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has intercepted a large stash of undeclared foreign currency hidden in the boot of a car in Badagry, Lagos.
According to the Unit's Comptroller, Mohammed Shuaibu, officers on routine patrol around the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border stopped a suspicious Nissan Almera in the early hours of last Sunday, around 2:45 a.m. Before they could question the driver, he abandoned the vehicle and fled into the surrounding bush.
Upon inspection, the officers discovered $20,000 in cash and 110,000 West African CFA Francs—equivalent to over ₦30 million—concealed inside the vehicle, which is also believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Comptroller Shuaibu, while handing over the seized money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the unit’s headquarters in Lagos, said the act violated both the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. These laws require individuals to declare any amount above $10,000 or its equivalent when entering or leaving the country.
"The Customs Service has recently intensified efforts to educate the public and stakeholders on the need to declare large sums of money at border points. This seizure is a reminder that ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” Shuaibu said.
He praised the vigilance and commitment of his officers and reassured the public that the unit remains fully committed to combating smuggling and illegal financial transactions across the country’s borders.
Receiving the seized currency on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed applauded the Customs officers for their alertness and professionalism. He emphasized the strong collaboration between the two agencies.
"This operation reflects the synergy between Customs and the EFCC in enforcing Nigeria’s financial regulations. A full investigation will now follow to identify those behind this illegal movement of cash and ensure they are brought to justice,” he stated.
The seizure adds to growing concerns over cross-border money laundering and reinforces the government’s efforts to monitor and regulate cash movement across Nigeria’s frontiers.
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