Ogun Customs hands over 7 million CFA seized at Idiroko border to EFCC

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has handed over 7 million CFA francs intercepted along the Idiroko border route to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Mohammed Shuaibu, presented the seized currency to the EFCC’s Head of Investigation, Lagos Zone 2, Assistant Commander Oguzi Moses, during a brief ceremony at the NCS headquarters in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The foreign currency, concealed in 5,000 CFA denominations, was allegedly being smuggled from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin. The intercepted amount is equivalent to approximately N17 million.

Speaking during the handover, Comptroller Shuaibu explained that the currency was hidden in an inconspicuous location and was uncovered by the Service’s intelligence operatives while awaiting an unidentified courier.

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“On March 20, 2025, our officers on duty at the outward baggage hall, while conducting routine checks on passengers traveling from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, identified a suspicious bag. Upon a thorough examination, the bag was found to contain newly minted foreign currency notes,” Shuaibu stated.

He emphasized that the seizure was made under the provisions of Section 6 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which mandates the declaration of large sums of money.

“Failure to declare cash exceeding the permissible limit violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995,” Shuaibu added.

He further highlighted that the handover aligns with the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Shuaibu also warned border community residents to refrain from smuggling, pledging that the command would continue to enforce federal fiscal policies and existing regulations.

In his remarks, Assistant Commander Oguzi Moses assured that the EFCC would conduct a detailed forensic investigation to identify those responsible for the smuggling attempt and ensure due process is followed.

“Let this serve as a reminder that no effort will be spared in holding accountable those who seek to undermine the integrity of our financial systems,” Oguzi said.

He commended the NCS for their vigilance and dedication to curbing illegal activities along Nigeria’s borders, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to combating financial crimes.