The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has intercepted foreign currency worth ₦30,861,651.00 concealed in an abandoned vehicle near the Seme border, marking a major success in the fight against illicit financial flows.
This was disclosed in a press release by the Zone Public Relations Officer , Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi on 16th July,2025
Controller of the Unit , Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, during a handover ceremony held on Wednesday, 16th July 2025, at the FOU Zone A headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos disclosed that the seized currency, comprising $20,000 (USD) and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, was discovered during a late-night patrol along Babapupa bush paths on Sunday, 13th July, around 11:45 p.m.
According to the Comptroller, Customs operatives had intercepted a suspicious Nissan Almera believed to be smuggled. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the officers.
He noted that the seizure is in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which mandate the declaration of any foreign currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at all entry and exit points.
Shuaibu commended his officers for their vigilance and emphasized the importance of continuous stakeholder education, highlighting recent sensitization efforts aimed at improving compliance with currency declaration laws.
“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
“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 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”
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized funds were officially handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Representing the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed lauded the Customs Unit’s swift action and reaffirmed the strength of cooperation 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.” Mohammed said.
