According to a statement from the commission’s spokesperson, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate following surveillance linked to ongoing efforts targeting the illegal movement of mineral resources and undeclared cash through airports.
The principal suspect, identified as an Inspector I with Aviation Security attached to the airport, was intercepted alongside two other men during the operation. Investigators allege that the officer concealed about 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars on his person in an attempt to bypass security screening and pass the items to outbound passengers for export.
The EFCC said the interception occurred during a coordinated surveillance exercise at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Thursday, 11 June.
Further inquiries led to the arrest of two additional suspects, who investigators believe were involved in supplying the gold. One of them was reportedly found with multiple foreign currencies, including Saudi riyals, Turkish lira, Kuwaiti dinar, Philippine peso, Australian dollars, Chinese yuan, Algerian dinar, Hong Kong dollars, Hungarian forint, and Sudanese dinar.
The commission also stated that another suspect allegedly linked to the supply chain admitted during questioning to moving significant quantities of gold using the same method within a ten-day period in June.
All three suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face charges after the conclusion of investigations.
The case adds to a series of enforcement actions targeting illicit movement of minerals and foreign currency through Nigerian airports, particularly in Kano. In recent months, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has intensified surveillance operations, while the Nigeria Customs Service has also recorded multiple interceptions involving undeclared cash and precious metals at the same airport.
