Customs Intercepts Over ₦2b Worth of Undeclared Foreign Currencies at Lagos Airport

Undeclared foreign currencies valued at over ₦2.28 billion have been intercepted at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command of Nigeria Customs Service

Announcing the seizure at a press briefing in Lagos, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the Customs Area Controller, MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, said the interception involved €651,505 and $800,575, underscorimg the Service’s unwavering commitment to combating financial crimes, preventing illicit financial flows, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and national security.

Comptroller Chidi also congratulated Nigeria on its recent delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, describing the achievement as the product of strong leadership and effective inter-agency collaboration. He attributed the success to the quality leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, working alongside other relevant government agencies.

He commended officers of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Unit for their professionalism, integrity, and refusal to compromise, noting that their vigilance made the successful interception possible.

According to the CAC, the seizure occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at the Departure Terminal 2.

“An Austrian national, Mr. Kavlak Onal, with passport number AP0084116, was scheduled to travel on Emirate Airline to Dubai. He was asked if he had any currency to declare and he said he didn’t have any. However, after conducting a search, the amount mentioned above was found in his traveling bag”, he stated.

He explained that the act contravenes existing regulations mandating all inbound and outbound travellers to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent, adding that the interception aligns with the Laws and Acts which empower and confer on the Nigeria Customs Service the right to prevent illicit Financial flows and ensure strict implementation of Anti Money Laundering obligations at all borders.

He advised members of the public engaged in legitimate business and travel to make honest and full declarations to avoid prosecution and possible forfeiture.

“Carrying currency exceeding the legally approved threshold of $10,000 or its equivalent is not an offence. However, failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration of the prescribed amount, constitutes an offence under the law”, he noted.

Comptroller Nwokorie, formally handed over the suspect, his international passport, and the seized currencies to operatives of the EFCC for further necessary action.

Speaking on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission (ACE II), Richard Adejumo, confirmed the takeover of the case, assuring Nigerians that the EFCC would conduct a thorough investigation.

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“We are taking over this case and we will do justice to it, and make sure that we rid money laundering out of the country, because it’s something we will investigate and we will bring the perpetrators to book”, Adejumo said.

He appreciated the Nigeria Customs Service for the sustained synergy and cooperation between both agencies.