Customs FOU Zone A Intercepts Foreign Currencies Worth N30.8m
By Our Correspondent
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of foreign currencies worth N30.8million as part of its efforts to check the movement of illicit financial flows into the country.
The seizure was announced by the Controller, Compt. Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu at a handover ceremony to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The currencies which were intercepted on Sunday, July 13, include $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs concealed in Nissan Almera at Seme.
He said, “Our operations patrol team was on routine surveillance along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border when they intercepted a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle Upon sighting our officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
“This arrest underscores the relentless commitment of our personnel to thwart the activities of illicit financial flow operators and protect the Nigerian economy. It reflects our concerted efforts to combat smuggling and restore law and order along our borders.”
The Controller added that the seizure was in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which provide for the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the nation’s borders.
He explained that the handover to the EFCC was for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The EFCC Zonal Directorate 1 who represented the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, was full of commendation to the Customs for the seizures.
He said, “This seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between our agencies and our joint commitment to enforcing financial laws in Nigeria. The EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the individuals involved and determine the appropriate legal action.”
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of foreign currencies worth N30.8million as part of its efforts to check the movement of illicit financial flows into the country.
The seizure was announced by the Controller, Compt. Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu at a handover ceremony to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The currencies which were intercepted on Sunday, July 13, include $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs concealed in Nissan Almera at Seme.
He said, “Our operations patrol team was on routine surveillance along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border when they intercepted a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle Upon sighting our officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
“This arrest underscores the relentless commitment of our personnel to thwart the activities of illicit financial flow operators and protect the Nigerian economy. It reflects our concerted efforts to combat smuggling and restore law and order along our borders.”
The Controller added that the seizure was in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which provide for the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the nation’s borders.
He explained that the handover to the EFCC was for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The EFCC Zonal Directorate 1 who represented the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, was full of commendation to the Customs for the seizures.
He said, “This seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between our agencies and our joint commitment to enforcing financial laws in Nigeria. The EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the individuals involved and determine the appropriate legal action.”
About Post Author
