By Paul Joseph
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) Inspector and two other suspects over alleged involvement in the smuggling of bulk cash and unprocessed gold through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects, identified as Ali Baffa, an Inspector 1 with Aviation Security, along with Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were arrested on Thursday, June 11, 2026, during a surveillance operation conducted by the EFCC’s Land and Property Fraud Section.
According to the anti-graft agency, the operation followed a directive to intensify enforcement against the smuggling of mineral resources and undeclared cash through Nigeria’s international airports.
Investigations revealed that Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars, valued at over ₦4.4 billion, in his trousers with the intent of bypassing security checks at the airport. The EFCC said the gold was allegedly meant to be handed over to outbound passengers for illegal export.
Further inquiries led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold bars. He was reportedly found in possession of various foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.
The Commission also arrested Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who allegedly supplied the gold bars to Nasidi. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using a similar method.
The EFCC stated that all three suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, adding that they will be charged to court upon conclusion of ongoing inquiries.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illicit financial flows, particularly the smuggling of precious minerals and foreign currencies through Nigeria’s airports, which it says poses a serious threat to the economy.
Leave a Reply