The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security officer and two other suspects over allegations of cash and gold smuggling at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. The arrests, made on Friday, June 11, 2026, followed a routine surveillance operation by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the Kano Zonal Directorate. The operation was carried out in line with a directive from the EFCC Executive Chairman to intensify enforcement against the illegal export of mineral resources and bulk cash through international airports.
The suspects include Ali Baffa, an Inspector 1 with Aviation Security (AVSEC), Aushabu Nasidi, and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria. According to EFCC, Baffa was caught attempting to smuggle 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars, valued at over N4.4 billion, hidden inside his trousers. The gold was allegedly intended for delivery to passengers departing the country, bypassing security protocols.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who is accused of supplying the gold bars to Baffa. At the time of his arrest, Nasidi was found in possession of various foreign currencies, including 3,000 Saudi Riyals, 40,000 Turkish Lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti Dinar, 20,700 Philippine Peso, 80 Australian Dollars, 310 Chinese Renminbi, 4,000 Algerian Dinar, 40 Hong Kong Dollars, 26,000 Hungarian Forint, and 1,000 Sudanese Dinar.
The probe also uncovered the involvement of Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who allegedly supplied the gold to Nasidi. During interrogation, Dan Zaria admitted to participating in multiple smuggling shipments. He revealed that between June 1 and June 11, 2026, he had smuggled an estimated 40.2 kilograms of gold using the same method as Baffa.
All three suspects are currently in EFCC custody and will be charged to court once investigations are completed. The agency emphasized its commitment to combating economic crimes, particularly those involving the illegal export of Nigeria’s natural resources and foreign exchange. This arrest underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and prevent the outflow of capital and minerals from the country. The case highlights the risks associated with smuggling and the role of security personnel in such illicit activities.
Leave a Comment