Customs FOU A hands over seized foreign currencies to EFCC

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service, has handed over $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs intercepted by its workforce to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Handing over the money to EFCC at the Unit’s headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the FOU Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, informed that the money, intercepted on Sunday, July 13 at approximately 2345 hours, was concealed in a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle.

“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,” he stated.

Addressing the EFCC officers of the Unit, the Comptroller informed 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 was 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,” he said.

He 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,” said he.

Shuaibu commended his officers for their dedication and assured that the unit remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling.

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 just as 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,” he said.