In a striking revelation, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have successfully intercepted a substantial undeclared sum of $193,000, artfully concealed inside a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This significant discovery occurred as a result of diligent intelligence-gathering and thorough inspections by customs officials.
On Friday, NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced that the passenger in possession of the concealed funds arrived in Nigeria on Ethiopian Airlines flight No. 951, traveling from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Understanding the Law
Failing to declare such a considerable amount of money violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. These regulations stipulate that any traveler carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare it upon arrival or departure.
In his statement, Maiwada emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations, stating, “Acting on intelligence, customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash.”
Next Steps for the Seized Funds
Following the seizure, the authorities wasted no time. The confiscated cash has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and potential prosecution of the involved individual. Maiwada affirmed the NCS’s dedication to maintaining financial integrity and combating illicit financial flows crossing Nigeria’s borders.
A Call to Travelers
In light of this incident, Maiwada urged travelers to be vigilant about legal requirements when entering or exiting the country. “It is crucial for travelers to declare any cash or negotiable instruments that exceed the permissible threshold,” he added.
The NCS remains committed to enforcing regulations that safeguard the nation's economy, reiterating the importance of transparency and compliance in all financial dealings at Nigeria's borders.
This incident serves as a reminder to all travelers about the critical role customs regulations play in the fight against financial crimes and the importance of adhering to these laws to ensure smooth travel experiences.
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