Customs Intercepts ₦116.28m Suspected Smuggled Precious Metals at Kano Airport
Customs Intercepts ₦116.28m Suspected Smuggled Precious Metals at Kano Airport
Customs Intercepts ₦116.28m Suspected Smuggled Precious Metals at Kano Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted suspected smuggled precious metals valued at ₦116.28 million at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, while also deepening collaboration with key national institutions to enhance security, trade facilitation, and economic stability.
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The Acting Customs Area Controller, Usman Adamu, disclosed that 22.80 kilogrammes of suspected silver bars and a suspect, Abduelhafeez Ibrahim, were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Command, following the interception.
According to Adamu, the seizure occurred during routine baggage screening when officers flagged a passenger’s luggage for secondary examination. He explained that non-intrusive scanning led to a physical inspection, which revealed the suspected silver bars concealed in the baggage.
The suspect, a holder of a Republic of Sudan passport, was scheduled to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United Arab Emirates at the time of arrest. He reportedly claimed the items were sourced from the Niger Republic, but failed to present export documentation or proof of declaration.
Adamu said the handover to the EFCC was necessitated by the financial implications of the case and the Commission’s statutory mandate. Receiving the suspect and exhibits, EFCC Kano Zonal Director Friday Ebelo commended Customs officers for their professionalism and assured that thorough investigations would be conducted.
In a related development, the Command has intensified operational collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to strengthen enforcement efficiency and streamline trade processes. Adamu reaffirmed this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the 403 Flying Training School, Uchenna Ihediwa.
He noted that the Command oversees strategic trade corridors and facilities, including the Dala Inland Dry Port and the international border at Maigatari Border. On revenue performance, Adamu revealed that the Command generated over ₦101 billion in 2025, exceeding its annual target by 5.71 per cent.
He emphasised that effective inter-agency synergy remains critical in addressing evolving security threats and ensuring efficient trade facilitation, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to lawful trade, strict compliance enforcement, and the protection of national revenue and economic integrity.
Customs Intercepts ₦116.28m Suspected Smuggled Precious Metals at Kano Airport
