The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has intercepted a Nissan Almera with $20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs concealed in it along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border. This was disclosed by the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, yesterday, during a brief handover ceremony held at the Unit’s conference hall in Ikeja, Lagos.
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 over N30.8 million.
According to Shuaibu, the interception, which occurred on July 13, 2025, at approximately 2345 hours, is a significant breakthrough in the unit’s ongoing efforts to combat the movement of illicit financial flows within the country.
“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.
He 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.
Shuaibu commended his officers for their dedication and assured that the unit remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling. In line with NCS’ commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, commended the Customs Service for the interception.
He emphasised the effective collaboration between both agencies, noting that seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between EFCC and its joint commitment to enforcing financial laws in Nigeria.
He said the EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the individuals involved and determine the appropriate legal action.
