The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs at Seme Border in Lagos State.
The seizure was in an ongoing efforts to combat the movement of illicit financial flows within the country.
Speaking in Lagos during a brief handover ceremony held at the Unit’s Conference Hall in Ikeja, Lagos, the Comptroller of the Unit, Compt. Mohammed Shuaibu, said the currencies were seized on Sunday, 13th July 2025, around 11:45pm.
According to him, upon sighting officers of the Unit, the driver conveying the amount abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
“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.
Addressing officers of the Unit and representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Comptroller disclosed that an examination of the vehicle revealed the concealed USD 20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, with a total estimated value of N30,861,651.00.
The Comptroller emphasised that the seizure was a testament to the dedication of his officers, “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.”
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 mandated declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the country’s borders.
Shuaibu also reiterated the Service’s commitment to stakeholder education, saying the Service recently launched robust sensitisation campaigns to educate stakeholders on the legal requirements for currency declaration at our borders.
He urged stakeholders and the public to leverage these initiatives to safeguard their hard-earned income.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended his officers for their dedication and assured that the unit remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling.
The seized currencies have been handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking on behalf of the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, who represented the Zonal Coordinator, commended the Customs Service for the interception.
He emphasised that the seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between the 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,” he assured.
