The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intensified anti-money laundering enforcement in the first half of 2026, has led to the interception of more than $1.72 million equivalent in undeclared foreign currencies at the nation’s airports and land borders as authorities stepped up efforts to curb illicit financial flows and strengthen compliance with currency declaration regulations.
Official data from the Service showed that the seizures, recorded between January and June 2026, comprised $1,592,900, 404,541 Saudi Riyals, seven million CFA francs, 28 Chinese Yuan, and 20 Ghana Cedis, with most of the interceptions involving passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The sustained crackdown highlights Customs’ growing role in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system by preventing the movement of undeclared cash linked to money laundering, terrorism financing, tax evasion, and other financial crimes that can undermine economic stability and investor confidence.
Among the major seizures was the interception of $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals concealed in a passenger’s luggage during routine baggage screening at the Kano airport.
In separate operations, officers recovered another $106,500 and 134,256 Saudi Riyals from an inbound passenger who failed to comply with statutory currency declaration requirements.
Earlier in January, Customs arrested two passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia after recovering $106,500, 134,265 Saudi Riyals, 28 Chinese Yuan, 20 Ghana Cedis, and 25 ATM cards from one suspect, while another was found with $32,000 and 120 Saudi Riyals.
The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.