The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has handed over intercepted foreign currency worth ₦30.8 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The cash, made up of $20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, was seized on Sunday, July 13, 2025, near the Babapupa area of the Seme border.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who leads the unit, said the discovery was made when a patrol team spotted a suspicious Nissan Almera vehicle on a bush path. The driver, upon noticing the officers, abandoned the car and fled into the forest. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the hidden cash.
Shuaibu described the operation as a clear signal of the Customs Service’s commitment to fighting smuggling and illegal financial movements that threaten Nigeria’s economic stability. He explained that the seizure complies with existing financial regulations, including the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, both of which require travelers to declare cash exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the country’s entry and exit points.
He urged travelers to adhere to the law to avoid penalties and said Customs would continue public awareness campaigns at border areas. Shuaibu also praised his officers for their alertness and professionalism, noting that the unit remains committed to inter-agency collaboration.
The intercepted funds were officially transferred to the EFCC during the event. Receiving the cash, EFCC Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed thanked the Customs Service and confirmed the agency would investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure appropriate legal action is taken against anyone found culpable.
