Shuaibu Handover Seized Foreign Currencies To EFCC

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat the movement of illicit financial flows within the country.

Shuaibu, back middle, addressing his officers and representatives of the EFCC about the seizure

To this end the flagship enforcement unit said it intercepted various sums of foreign currencies comprising $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, with a total estimated value of ₦30,861,651.00 (Thirty Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-One Naira).

This was disclosed by the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, during a brief handover ceremony held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Unit’s conference hall in Ikeja, Lagos. According to Comptroller Shuaibu, the interception was made on Sunday, 13th July 2025 along the Babapupa bush paths within Seme border community at approximately 2345 hours.

The seized correncies

A release made available by the Unit Public Relations Officer, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi  quoted Shuaibu as saying:

“Our operations patrol team was on routine surveillance along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border when they intercepted a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle Upon sighting our officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.”

L-R: Compt Shuaibu, EFCC Representative and Unit PRO, Hussaini

Addressing officers of the Unit, representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and members of the NCBN crew, Shuaibu disclosed that an examination of the vehicle revealed the concealed sum of $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, with a total estimated value of ₦30,861,651.00 (Thirty Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-One Naira).

He emphasized that the seizure is a testament to the dedication of his officers:

“This arrest underscores the relentless commitment of our personnel to thwart the activities of illicit financial flow operators and protect the Nigerian economy. It reflects our concerted efforts to combat smuggling and restore law and order along our borders.”

The Comptroller further noted that the arrest aligns with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, both of which mandate the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the country’s borders.

He also reiterated the Service’s commitment to stakeholder education:

“The Service has recently launched robust sensitization campaigns to educate stakeholders on the legal requirements for currency declaration at our borders. I urge stakeholders and the public to leverage these initiatives to safeguard their hard-earned income.”

Commending his officers for their dedication to duty, Shuaibu assured that the unit will remain vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling.

He disclosed that in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, he has secured management’s approval to hand over the seized currencies to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (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, commended the Customs Service for the interception He emphasized the effective collaboration between both agencies:

“This seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between our agencies and our joint commitment to enforcing financial laws in Nigeria. The EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the individuals involved and determine the appropriate legal action.”