💰 Nigeria Customs Intercepts Illicit Foreign Currencies Worth ₦30.8 Million at Seme Border

By DAYO ADESULU

Nigeria Customs intercepts $20,000 and CFA110,000 in undeclared foreign currency near the Seme border. The funds, valued at ₦30.8 million, were handed over to the EFCC for investigation.

🚨 Nigeria Customs Foils Illicit Currency Movement Along Seme Border Route

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has achieved a significant breakthrough in curbing illicit financial flows, seizing undeclared foreign currencies valued at over ₦30.8 million.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, Customs Area Controller of the unit, announced that officers intercepted $20,000 (USD) and 110,000 West African CFA Francs on Sunday, July 13, along a bush path near the Babapupa axis of the Seme border.

• Customs Generates N1.293trn Revenue In 6 Months
• https://www.thecheernews.com/customs-should-stop-using-dollars-to-determine-import-duties-us-auto-dealer-begs-fg/

🛻 Suspect Abandons Vehicle, Flees into Bush

According to Shuaibu, Customs officers were conducting a routine patrol when they came across a suspicious Nissan Almera vehicle believed to be smuggled. Upon spotting the officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the surrounding bush.

“This interception underscores our unwavering resolve to combat smuggling and illegal financial flows, which pose significant threats to Nigeria’s economic security,” Shuaibu said.

📦 Hidden Cash Discovered During Vehicle Search

Upon conducting a thorough inspection, officers discovered carefully concealed foreign currencies hidden within the vehicle. The recovered sum—$20,000 in US dollars and 110,000 in CFA francs—was quickly secured by Customs.

Shuaibu emphasized that such actions violate both the:

• Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
• Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023

These laws require all individuals carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent across borders to declare it to authorities.

📢 Public Urged to Declare Cash to Avoid Penalties

Comptroller Shuaibu urged the public, especially frequent cross-border travelers, to adhere strictly to financial declaration protocols at all entry and exit points.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified sensitisation efforts to educate stakeholders on the importance of declaring cash at borders,” he explained. “Non-compliance can result in seizure, arrest, and prosecution.”

🛡️ Inter-Agency Cooperation: EFCC Takes Over Case

Following standard procedure, the intercepted cash has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, representing the EFCC’s Zonal Directorate, received the seized funds and commended Customs for their diligence.

“This seizure and handover highlight the strong synergy between our agencies. The EFCC will investigate thoroughly and bring any culprits to justice,” Mohammed stated.

🔍 Seizure Highlights Threat of Illicit Financial Flows

This illicit foreign currency interception at the Seme border sheds light on the growing threat posed by undocumented cash movements. Such financial activities often fuel:

• Cross-border terrorism
• Smuggling networks
• Money laundering operations

By intercepting these funds, the Nigeria Customs Service helps to protect national financial stability and reinforce international anti-money laundering standards.

🧠 Strategic Focus on Border Surveillance and Compliance

Shuaibu emphasized that ongoing investments in border surveillance technology, training, and inter-agency collaboration are proving effective. He praised his team for their professionalism and assured the public that such vigilance will continue.

“Our mandate is to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests. With the support of our partners, we will remain relentless in intercepting illegal financial flows and smuggling operations,” he added.

📌 Summary of Key Points

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