The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at over ₦2.28 billion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Announcing the seizure at a press briefing on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, said the interception involved €651,505 and $800,575.
He said the development underscored the Service’s unwavering commitment to combating financial crimes, preventing illicit financial flows and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and national security.
Comptroller Nwokorie congratulated Nigeria on its recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, describing it as the outcome of strong leadership and effective inter-agency collaboration. He attributed the achievement to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in partnership with relevant government agencies.
He also commended officers of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Unit for their professionalism and vigilance, noting that their integrity made the interception possible.
According to the CAC, the seizure occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at Departure Terminal 2 of the airport.
He explained that an Austrian national, Mr Kavlak Onal, who was scheduled to travel to Dubai aboard an Emirates Airlines flight, failed to declare the foreign currencies when asked by Customs officers. A subsequent search of his luggage revealed the undeclared sums.
Nwokorie said the act contravened regulations requiring inbound and outbound travellers to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent. He added that the interception aligned with existing laws empowering the NCS to prevent illicit financial flows and enforce anti-money laundering obligations at Nigeria’s borders.
He advised members of the public engaged in legitimate business and travel to make full and honest declarations to avoid prosecution and possible forfeiture.
“Carrying currency exceeding the approved threshold of $10,000 or its equivalent is not an offence. However, failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration constitutes an offence under the law,” he said.
The Comptroller formally handed over the suspect, his international passport and the seized currencies to operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Speaking on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission (ACE II), Richard Adejumo, confirmed the takeover of the case and assured Nigerians of a thorough investigation.
“We will ensure that justice is served and that perpetrators of money laundering are brought to book,” Adejumo said, while commending the sustained collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.
