Customs Seize $193,000 Hidden in Yoghurt Carton at Abuja Airport

In a major operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, intercepted $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency hidden inside a carton of yoghurt. The discovery followed a tip-off and a meticulous baggage inspection of an inbound passenger who arrived on Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The passenger, identified as 40-year-old Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, was found to have concealed the funds in a deliberate attempt to evade declaration, a violation of the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, stated that the law mandates travelers to declare any amount above $10,000 or its equivalent upon entry or exit. Failure to do so could result in forfeiture, imprisonment, or both.

Comptroller Adebisi explained that the breakthrough came after a detailed scan of the suspect’s luggage revealed unusual density. Although Sarina was initially allowed to proceed, Customs officers maintained surveillance and later instructed him to return for further checks. A physical examination of the yoghurt carton revealed the hidden currency.

The seized funds have since been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution. Comptroller Adebisi commended the Customs officers for their vigilance and thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for providing an efficient working environment that supports successful operations.