The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at more than N2.28 billion at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
The seizure was announced on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a media briefing.
He disclosed that the intercepted funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575.
According to Nwokorie, the interception highlights the Service’s firm resolve to curb financial crimes, block illicit financial flows, and protect Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
He congratulated Nigeria on its recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, Grey List, attributing the milestone to effective leadership and robust inter-agency cooperation.
He specifically praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for driving reforms and strengthening collaboration with sister agencies.
The Comptroller also commended officers of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Unit for their professionalism and alertness, noting that their diligence led to the successful interception.
Nwokorie explained that the incident occurred at about 2:45 pm on Saturday, December 23, 2025, at Departure Terminal 2 of the airport.
An Austrian national, identified as Mr Kavlak Onal, was preparing to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai when he allegedly failed to declare the foreign currencies in his possession, despite being questioned by Customs officers.
A detailed search of his luggage subsequently uncovered the undeclared cash.
He noted that the action violated regulations mandating travellers entering or leaving Nigeria to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent.
The Comptroller added that the interception was in line with the legal mandate of the NCS to enforce anti-money laundering laws and prevent illicit financial movements across the nation’s borders.
Advising travellers and businesspersons, Nwokorie stressed the importance of full and accurate disclosure to avoid legal consequences, including prosecution and forfeiture.
“Possessing foreign currency above the approved $10,000 threshold is not an offence. However, failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration is punishable under the law,” he stated.
The suspect, alongside his international passport and the seized currencies, was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Receiving the items on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission Richard Adejumo, confirmed that the case had been taken over and assured the public of a comprehensive investigation.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and prosecuting offenders, while also commending the sustained collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.