Ogun I Customs Command Hands-Over 7 Million CFA to EFCC in Anti-Smuggling Crackdown
Nifemi Coker
Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed-over 7,000,000 CFA (seven million CFA) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted during a routine baggage inspection at the Idiroko border.
The Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, made the announcement at a press conference earlier today.
The CAC explained that the sum was recovered on March 20, 2025. He said: “Some customs officers, conducting a thorough search of passenger bags at the outward baggage hall for travelers en route Benin Republic from Nigeria, flagged one particular bag that appeared to contain suspicious content.
“Upon further investigation in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the officers found the bag concealing new mint foreign currency notes, totaling 7,000,000 CFA.”
Shuaibu explained that moving such sum across the border without statutory declaration contravene the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995.
While handing over the recovered sum to the Head of Investigation, EFCC Lagos Zone 2, Moses Oguzi, Shuaibu stated that the command remains resolute in defending the nation’s borders from smuggling in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
On his part, the Head of Investigation, EFCC Lagos Zone 2, Moses Oguzi, while receiving the sum for onward investigation, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance in curtailing illegal movement of funds from the country stating that this synergy between the NCS and the EFCC would improve interagency collaboration.
Oguzi maintained that the EFCC will further investigate the seizure to the end of tackling financial crimes within the country.
He said: “The EFCC remains steadfast in its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes. This interception serves as a clear reminder of the vital role that agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service play in maintaining the integrity of our nation’s financial systems.
“As we take over this case, the EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this interception and ensure that due process is followed.
“Let this serve as a reminder that no effort will be spared in holding accountable those who seek to undermine the integrity of our financial systems.”
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