Ogun 1 Customs records another landmark achievement with seizure of 7,000,000,000 CFA at Idiroko border

Ogun 1 Customs records another landmark achievement with seizure of 7,000,000,000 CFA at Idiroko border

It was another landmark achievement for Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, as the Command uncovered 7,000,000,000 CFA concealed in a passenger’s bag enroute Nigeria to Benin Republic.

Unveiling the money before Journalists during a press conference at Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu informed : “It’s a landmark achievement of our efforts in curtailing smuggling of foreign currency across the border.

“To actualise one of the mandates of the Command as stipulated in Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, on suppression of smuggling and border enforcement, on March, 20, 2025, our officers on duty at outward baggage hall uncovered foreign currency notes.”

“Our officers conducted a search on the bag in line with the provision of section 6 of Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and discovered the bag to be containing 7,000,000,000 CFA.”

Comptroller Shuaibu explained further : “It might interest you to know that failure to declare cash of such amount runs contrary to the Anti-money laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act 2022 and the foreign exchange (monitoring and miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995”.

“Recognising the critical role Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) plays in enforcing laws related to money laundering, and other financial crimes, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command, on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, invited the leadership of EFCC to be part of history, as we carry out the directives of the CGC to officially hand over the seized 7,000,000.00 CFA to EFCC.”

The Area Controller pointed out : “The handing over of the seized currency is to foster inter-agency collaboration among Nigeria Customs Service, EFCC, and our sister agencies in line with the policy thrust of the CGC.”

According to him :  “We must continue to send the right signal to discourage other people from indulging in the despicable act of smuggling. The Command under my leadership is committed to strict implementation of the Federal Government fiscal policies and extant laws governing the day-to-day operation of the Service at the international corridor.

“I wish to advise the Border communities to desist from any unscrupulous act of smuggling. I am using this medium to reiterate that the current Customs administration under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi and his management team has zero tolerance for revenue leakages, violation of economic and fiscal policies in all ramifications. We at the Command are committed to enforcing same.”

In his remarks, the Assistant Commander, Oguzi Moses, Head of investigation, EFCC, Lagos, Zone 2, commended Customs for its vigilance in intercepting the illicit funds at Idiroko border.

Also, speaking on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukayede, and the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zone 2, Ahmed Ghali, Oguzi expressed deep appreciation for the synergy between both agencies of government”.

“I sincerely thank the Nigeria Customs Service for this collaboration and their unwavering commitment to securing our borders. The interception of 7 million CFA stands as proof of the critical role inter-agency cooperation plays in tackling economic and financial crimes,” he stated.

Commending the Area Controller, MS Shuaibu, and his officers, he emphasised that such professionalism is key to preventing illicit financial flows and money laundering.

“As we take over this case, the EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source and intent of these funds. Our forensic lab will verify their authenticity, ensuring that due process is followed,” he assured.

He reaffirmed its dedication to combating corruption and financial crimes, warning that those attempting to undermine Nigeria’s financial system will be held accountable.

The agency also extended gratitude to other security forces, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, for their continuous efforts in safeguarding the nation’s borders.