Customs Intercepts $20,000, Foreign Currency at Seme Border, Hands Over to EFCC
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, has intercepted $20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs suspected to be part of illicit financial flows across the country’s borders.
The foreign currencies, found hidden in a suspected smuggled Nissan Almera, were seized during a routine patrol by Customs operatives on Sunday, July 13, 2025, around 11:45 p.m. near Babapupa bush paths close to the Seme border.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this during a handover ceremony at the FOU headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, said the vehicle was abandoned by its driver upon sighting the officers.
“Our patrol team, while on surveillance, intercepted the suspicious vehicle. The driver immediately fled into the bush, leaving the car behind,” Shuaibu said.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the concealed foreign currencies, with a combined estimated value of ₦30,861,651.00 (Thirty Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-One Naira).
“This seizure is a clear indication of the unwavering commitment of our officers to curbing smuggling and disrupting illicit financial flows,” the Comptroller noted. “We remain resolute in our mission to protect the nation’s economy and enforce border laws.”
He explained that the interception is in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which require the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the nation’s entry and exit points.
Shuaibu also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Service to educate stakeholders on currency declaration requirements:
“We have intensified awareness campaigns to ensure stakeholders understand the legal obligations at our borders. We encourage compliance to avoid the seizure of funds and legal consequences.”
In keeping with inter-agency collaboration, the seized funds have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Receiving the currency on behalf of the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed commended the Customs Service for the successful operation and praised the synergy between both agencies.
“This handover demonstrates the strong collaboration between the EFCC and Nigeria Customs in tackling financial crimes. We will thoroughly investigate this case to identify those responsible and ensure appropriate legal action is taken,” he assured.
The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining lawful trade at Nigeria’s borders.
