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Customs Intercept 7m CFA At Ogun Border, Hand Cash To EFCC

The currency which was stashed in 5,000 denomination being smuggled from Nigeria en route the Idiroko to the neighbouring Republic of Benin, is equivalent to ₦17 million in Nigeria.

By Ignatius Igwe
Updated March 26, 2025
Twitter
The cash was intercepted on March 20, 2025 during a search of passengers’ bags en route to the Republic of Benin. Credit: X/@CustomsNG

 

Operatives of the Ogun Area 1 command of Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted a total sum of 7 million CFA along the Idiroko border.

The currency which was stashed in 5,000 denomination being smuggled from Nigeria en route the Idiroko to the neighbouring Republic of Benin, is equivalent to ₦17 million in Nigeria.

NCS disclosed this in a statement on its X handle on Wednesday, saying the cash have been handed over to the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command has made a significant discovery, uncovering a bag containing 7,000,000 CFA (approximately ₦17 million or $11,000) at the border’s outward baggage hall,” the statement read.

Briefing journalists in Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu, revealed that the interception occurred on March 20, 2025 during a search of passengers’ bags en route to the Republic of Benin.

According to him, the operation aligned with Sections 4(e) and (f) of the NCS Act 2023, which focus on smuggling suppression and border enforcement.

Shuaibu clarified that while travellers are permitted to carry cash, any amount exceeding $10,000 must be declared in accordance with the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2022 and the Foreign Exchange Act 1995.

“As a travelling passenger, there are privileges you enjoy, but you must declare your currency. Refusal to do so is tantamount to money laundering,” he said.

The Area Controller noted that no arrests were made but reaffirmed his officers’ commitment to enforcing federal fiscal policies and deterring smuggling activities.

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Receiving the seized funds, the EFCC Head of Investigation, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander Moses Oguzi, commended Customs for their vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

“This interception is a testament to the importance of interagency collaboration in our fight against corruption, money laundering, and illicit financial flows across our borders. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the source and intent of these funds,” he said.

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