By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The eagle-eyed operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko border has discovered a bag containing 7,000,000 CFA in new mint foreign currency notes at the outward baggage hall of Idiroko border post.
The Command boss, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu of the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), who announced this today, March 20th, 2025, at a press briefing in Idiroko said, the seizure was made while examining passengers’ bags en route from Nigeria to Benin Republic.
According to CAC, the undeclared movement of such a significant amount violates Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995.
He said, recognizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) pivotal role in tackling money laundering and financial crimes, the Customs Service has formally invited the EFCC leadership to witness the official handover of the seized currency in accordance with the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“This move underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in upholding financial integrity and border security”, he said.
The Comptroller urged border communities to shun smuggling activities, emphasizing that the current Customs administration has zero tolerance for revenue leakages, economic violations, and fiscal policy breaches.
He however assured the public that the command remains steadfast in implementing government directives to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
“The Nigeria Customs Service continues to send a strong warning to those engaged in illicit cross-border activities—smuggling will not be tolerated, and violators will face the full weight of the law”, he said.
In his remarks after taking over the seized currency, the Head of Investigation, EFCC, Lagos Zone 2, Assistant Commander Oguzi Moses, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its vigilance in intercepting the illicit funds at the Idiroko border.
While speaking on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukayede, and the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zone 2, Ahmed Ghali, Oguzi expressed deep appreciation for the synergy between both agencies.
“I sincerely thank the Nigeria Customs Service for this collaboration and their unwavering commitment to securing our borders. The interception of 7 million CFA stands as proof of the critical role interagency cooperation plays in tackling economic and financial crimes”, he stated.
Commending the Area Controller, MS Shuaibu, and his officers, he emphasized that such professionalism is key to preventing illicit financial flows and money laundering.
“As we take over this case, the EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source and intent of these funds. Our forensic lab will verify their authenticity, ensuring that due process is followed”, he assured.
The agency also extended gratitude to other security forces, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, for their continued efforts in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
“This interception is a reminder that together, we are making a difference in the fight against financial crimes. We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the integrity of our economy”, Oguzi stated.
