Nigeria Customs foils currency smuggling attempt worth ₦30.8m at Seme Border

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

In a significant crackdown on illicit financial flows, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A has intercepted foreign currency worth ₦30,861,651.00 at the Seme border, marking a major success in the fight against currency smuggling.

Making the disclosure in a release, on Wednesday 16 July, 2025, Zone Public Relations Officer(PRO), Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, said the service has handed over the seized funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Shuaibu

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, controller of the zone during a handover ceremony held this Wednesday at the FOU Zone A headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos disclosed that the seized currency, comprising $20,000 (USD) and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, was discovered during a late-night patrol along Babapupa bush paths on Sunday, 13th July, around 11:45 p.m.

He said customs operatives had intercepted a suspicious Nissan Almera believed to be smuggled. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the officers.

Noted that the seizure is in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which mandate the declaration of any foreign currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at all entry and exit points.

Shuaibu commended his officers for their vigilance and emphasized the importance of continuous stakeholder education, highlighting recent sensitization efforts aimed at improving compliance with currency declaration laws.

“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.

“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.

“ 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”

In line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized funds were officially handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and potential prosecution.

Representing the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed lauded the Customs Unit’s swift action and reaffirmed the strength of cooperation 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.” Mohammed said.