Customs Intercepts $578,000 From Passenger At Lagos Airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), intercepted $578,000 cash at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command and handed it to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation following a case of false currency declaration by a traveller.

The suspect, who flew into Lagos on South African Airways from Johannesburg on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk.

However, further inspection uncovered an additional $299,000 concealed in various packages, bringing the total to $578,000. Authorities also found 100 euros and a counterfeit $250 in possession.

According to Customs, the suspect’s actions violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2021, which requires individuals to declare any currency or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000. The false declaration led to the suspect being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.