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EFCC Arrests Airport Security Officer, 2 Others Over Alleged N4.4bn Gold Smuggling Syndicate in Kano
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer and two other suspects over an alleged gold and cash smuggling operation uncovered at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects Ali Baffa, an Inspector I with Aviation Security, Aushabu Nasidi, and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria were apprehended during a routine surveillance operation carried out by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate.
According to the Commission, the operation followed a directive from the EFCC Executive Chairman ordering all zonal directorates to intensify efforts against the smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash through Nigeria’s international airports.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars, valued at more than N4.4 billion, inside his trousers in an attempt to evade airport security checks. The EFCC alleged that the gold was intended to be handed over to outbound international passengers for illegal export from Nigeria.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, who is suspected of supplying the gold bars. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly found in possession of several foreign currencies, including 3,000 Saudi Riyals, 40,000 Turkish Lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti Dinar, 20,700 Philippine Pesos, 80 Australian Dollars, 310 Chinese Renminbi, 4,000 Algerian Dinars, 40 Hong Kong Dollars, 26,000 Hungarian Forints, and 1,000 Sudanese Dinars.
The EFCC said subsequent inquiries also resulted in the arrest of Dan Zaria, who allegedly provided the gold bars to Nasidi. During interrogation, Dan Zaria reportedly admitted to smuggling approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
All three suspects are currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue.
The Commission stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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