The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at about N2.28 billion from an Austrian national, Mr Kavlak Onal, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Customs officials said the cash was discovered as the passenger prepared to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai. The seizure was confirmed on Tuesday by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, who described the operation as part of intensified enforcement against illicit financial flows at Nigeria’s borders.
According to Nwokorie, officers of the Anti Money Laundering Unit stopped the traveller on Saturday after he reportedly failed to declare any foreign currency. A subsequent search of his luggage uncovered €651,505 and $800,575 hidden in his travel bag. The combined amount, Customs said, was far above the mandatory declaration threshold and was valued at roughly N2.28 billion in naira terms.
The News Chronicle gathered that the interception followed routine risk profiling and screening procedures, with officers declining alleged attempts to compromise the process before the cash was secured and documented.
Customs said the action was taken under relevant foreign exchange, money laundering and customs laws, stressing that carrying large sums is not illegal, but failure to declare such funds constitutes an offence.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation was not involved, as the case has been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which has commenced further investigation. EFCC officials praised the Customs Service for effective inter agency collaboration as authorities continue to tighten checks at international airports.
