Metro Customs Intercepts N2.28bn Undeclared Foreign Currencies at Lagos Airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at over ₦2.28 billion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in a move reinforcing efforts to curb illicit financial flows and safeguard national economic security.

The seizure was announced on Tuesday by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a media briefing at the airport.

Nwokorie disclosed that the intercepted funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575, describing the operation as a reflection of the Service’s firm resolve to enforce anti-money laundering regulations and counter the financing of terrorism.

He congratulated Nigeria on its recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, attributing the achievement to effective leadership and strengthened inter-agency collaboration, particularly under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

The Comptroller also commended officers of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Unit, noting that their professionalism and vigilance were instrumental to the successful interception.

“The interception occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2025, at Departure Terminal 2, when an Austrian national, Mr Kavlak Onal, was preparing to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai and failed to declare the foreign currencies in his possession,” Nwokorie said.

“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 added, warning travellers and businesspersons to comply fully with disclosure requirements.

The suspect, along with his international passport and the seized currencies, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, with the Commission reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability and prosecuting offenders through sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.