The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has intercepted a vehicle carrying undeclared foreign currency and handed the recovered funds over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
This was disclosed by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu during a handover event held at the Unit’s conference hall in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to Shuaibu, the seizure took place on Sunday, 13 July 2025. He stated that the patrol team was conducting routine surveillance along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border when it intercepted a Nissan Almera suspected of being smuggled. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on sighting the officers.
An inspection of the vehicle revealed \$20,000 in United States dollars and 110,000 West African CFA francs concealed inside, with a total estimated value of ₦30.86 million.
Shuaibu noted that the seizure was in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which require individuals to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding \$10,000 or its equivalent at Nigerian borders.
He also mentioned the ongoing public sensitisation campaigns aimed at educating stakeholders about the requirements for currency declaration, urging compliance to avoid penalties.
The seized currency has been transferred to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking on behalf of the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, who represented the Zonal Coordinator, acknowledged the handover and affirmed continued collaboration between both agencies. He stated that the EFCC would conduct an investigation to identify those involved and determine the next steps in line with existing financial regulations.