From left: Comptroller Shuaibu hands over the seized foreign currencies to the representative of the EFCC, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed of the Zonal Directorate 1 at a brief event at the FOU office in Ikeka, Lagos, Wednesday.

The Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone A, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC a total of$US20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, with a total estimated value of ₦30.9million.

This seizure represents a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat the movement of illicit financial flows within the country.

Comptroller Shuaibu addressing officers of the Unit and those of the EFCC.

Addressing officers of the Unit, representatives from the EFCC, and members of the NCBN crew, during a brief handover ceremony held Wednesday at the Unit’s conference hall in Ikeja, Lagos, Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed that the interception occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 2345 hours.

 “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.

He emphasised that the seizure is 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 also said.

The Comptroller 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 mandate the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the country’s borders.

He also reiterated the Service’s commitment to stakeholder education.

“The Service has recently launched robust sensitization campaigns to educate stakeholders on the legal requirements for currency declaration at our borders. I urge stakeholders and the public to leverage these initiatives to safeguard their hard-earned income”, Comptroller Shuaibu also said.

In closing, Comptroller Shuaibu commended his officers for their dedication and assured that the unit remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling.

In line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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 the effective collaboration between both agencies:

“This seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between our 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”, Mohammed said.