Customs Intercepts Undeclared Foreign Currencies Worth ₦2.28bn at Lagos Airport
Customs Intercepts Undeclared Foreign Currencies Worth ₦2.28bn at Lagos Airport
Customs Intercepts Undeclared Foreign Currencies Worth ₦2.28bn at Lagos Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at over ₦2.28 billion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in a major anti–money laundering operation.
Announcing the seizure at a press briefing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, disclosed that the interception involved €651,505 and $800,575. He said the operation underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to combating financial crimes, preventing illicit financial flows, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and national security.
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Comptroller Nwokorie congratulated Nigeria on its recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, describing the achievement as a product of strong leadership and effective inter-agency collaboration. He attributed the success to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), working in synergy with other 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 integrity, noting that their vigilance and refusal to compromise made the seizure possible.
According to the CAC, the interception occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Departure Terminal 2 of the airport. An Austrian national, Mr. Kavlak Onal, holder of passport number AP0084116, was scheduled to travel on an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai.
“He was asked if he had any currency to declare and he said he did not. However, a search of his travelling bag revealed the undeclared sums,” Nwokorie stated.
He explained that the action contravenes regulations requiring all inbound and outbound travellers to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent. He added that the interception aligns with laws empowering the Nigeria Customs Service to prevent illicit financial flows and enforce anti–money laundering obligations at Nigeria’s borders.
The CAC advised travellers and business persons to make honest and full declarations to avoid prosecution and possible forfeiture, stressing that while carrying amounts above $10,000 is not illegal, failure to declare or false declaration constitutes an offence.
Comptroller Nwokorie 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 this case is properly investigated and that those involved are brought to book. Money laundering is a serious crime, and we remain committed to eradicating it,” Adejumo said, while appreciating the sustained cooperation between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Customs Intercepts Undeclared Foreign Currencies Worth ₦2.28bn at Lagos Airport
