EFCC Arrests Airport Officer in ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested airport security officer Ali Baffa and two accomplices over an alleged attempt to smuggle ₦4.4 billion worth of unprocessed gold bars at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The arrests occurred during a routine surveillance operation on Thursday.

Baffa was found concealing 22.2 kilograms of gold bars in his trousers, intending to pass them to a passenger traveling overseas. Further investigations led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who was allegedly linked to the supply of the gold bars, and Mukhtar Muhammad, also known as Dan Zaria, who reportedly delivered the gold bars to Nasidi.

During interrogation, Dan Zaria confessed to smuggling 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026. The EFCC has intensified efforts to curb illegal exports of solid minerals, particularly gold, amid concerns over revenue loss from smuggling syndicates.

The three suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.