The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has seized over N2.28bn in undeclared foreign currencies at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This seizure was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a briefing on 16th December 2025. Nwokorie stated that the funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575.
Nwokorie claims that the interception demonstrates the Service's unwavering determination to stop financial crimes, stop illegal financial flows, and safeguard Nigeria's national security and economic stability. He complimented Nigeria on its recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, crediting strong interagency cooperation and strong leadership for the achievement. In particular, he commended Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, for spearheading changes and enhancing cooperation with sister agencies.
The Comptroller also praised the professionalism and vigilance of the Command's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Unit officers, pointing out that their hard work resulted in the successful interception.According to Nwokorie, the event happened inside the airport's Departure Terminal 2 on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at around 2:45 p.m.
While getting ready to board an Emirates Airlines aircraft to Dubai, an Austrian national named Mr. Kavlak Onal allegedly neglected to disclose the foreign cash in his possession, even though Customs authorities questioned him. The unreported money was later found after a thorough investigation of his bags.
Regulations requiring visitors entering or departing Nigeria to declare foreign currency or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent were broken, he pointed out.
The Comptroller further stated that the interception complied with the NCS's legal responsibility to uphold anti-money laundering regulations and stop illegal financial transactions across the country's borders.
In order to prevent legal repercussions, such as prosecution and forfeiture, Nwokorie emphasised the significance of complete and precise disclosure to travellers and businesspeople.
The suspect was formally turned over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for additional investigation, along with his foreign passport and the confiscated money.
Assistant Commander of the Commission Richard Adejumo, who accepted the goods on behalf of the EFCC, informed the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and confirmed that the case had been taken over.