The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted suspected smuggled precious metals valued at ₦116.28 million at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, as part of efforts to curb illicit trade and bolster national economic security.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, formally handed over 22.80 kilogrammes of recovered suspected silver bars and a suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano following the seizure.
Adamu disclosed that the interception occurred during routine baggage screening at the airport.
“During non-intrusive scanning, one of the passengers’ luggage items was selected for secondary examination. Upon physical inspection, officers discovered 22.80kg of suspected silver bars concealed in the baggage, with an estimated value of ₦116,280,000,” he said.
According to him, the suspect, who holds a Republic of Sudan passport, was preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates when he was intercepted. The items were reportedly sourced from the Niger Republic, but the suspect failed to present export documentation or proof of proper declaration.
“The unlawful movement of regulated items across our borders is a violation of statutory provisions and attracts appropriate sanctions,” Adamu stated.
He explained that the handover to the EFCC was necessary due to the financial implications of the case and the Commission’s statutory mandate.
Receiving the suspect, EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Friday Ebelo, commended Customs officers for their professionalism and assured that the Commission would carry out a thorough investigation.