Nigeria Customs Seizes $1.72M in Undeclared Cash

In the first half of 2026, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted more than $1.72 million in undeclared foreign currencies at airports and land borders, intensifying its anti-money laundering enforcement. The seizures, recorded from January to June 2026, included $1,592,900, 404,541 Saudi Riyals, seven million CFA francs, 28 Chinese Yuan, and 20 Ghana Cedis.

Most interceptions involved passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia, particularly at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. Notable seizures included $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals found in a passenger's luggage during routine screening.

Additionally, $106,500 and 134,256 Saudi Riyals were recovered from another passenger who did not comply with currency declaration requirements. The NCS also intercepted seven million CFA francs at the Ogun I Area Command, and $193,000 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The suspects were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation. The NCS emphasized the importance of compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.