EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged Gold Smuggling at Kano Airport
EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged Gold Smuggling at Kano Airport
EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged Gold Smuggling at Kano Airport
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer and two accomplices for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of gold and foreign currencies through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects, identified as Ali Baffa, an Inspector I with Aviation Security, alongside Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were apprehended during a surveillance operation conducted by operatives of the EFCC on June 11, 2026.
According to the commission, the operation was carried out by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the Kano Zonal Directorate following directives to intensify efforts against the smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash through international airports.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars, valued at more than N4.4 billion, inside his trousers in an attempt to evade security screening and facilitate the illegal export of the minerals through overseas-bound passengers.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, who was alleged to have supplied the gold bars to the aviation security officer. EFCC operatives reportedly recovered several foreign currencies from him, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.
The anti-graft agency also arrested Dan Zaria, who allegedly provided the gold bars to Nasidi. During interrogation, he reportedly disclosed that he had smuggled an estimated 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using a similar method.
The EFCC said all three suspects are currently in its custody while investigations continue.
The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged Gold Smuggling at Kano Airport
