EFCC Intercepts Gold Worth ₦4bn at Kano Airport, Sources Allege Link to Ex-Zamfara Governor Yari

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly intercepted gold bars valued at about ₦4 billion at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, in a development that sources claim may be linked to former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar.

According to sources familiar with the operation, the gold consignment was allegedly discovered during a security screening exercise at the airport and was being prepared for shipment aboard an international flight.

A security source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, alleged that suspicious items concealed in multiple suitcases were detected and subsequently flagged to EFCC operatives for further inspection.

The source claimed that the intercepted items were later confirmed to be gold bars with an estimated value of ₦4 billion.

Sources further alleged that three suspects, including an airport security official identified as Aliyu Baffa, were taken into custody in connection with the seizure and are assisting investigators.

The sources also alleged that statements obtained from the suspects mentioned Senator Yari. However, the EFCC has not publicly confirmed any link between the former governor and the seized gold.

Attempts by some individuals to secure the release of the consignment were also alleged by sources familiar with the investigation, although these claims could not be independently verified.

As of press time, neither the EFCC nor other security agencies involved in the operation had issued an official statement on the matter.

Efforts to obtain Senator Yari’s reaction were unsuccessful. According to the report, several calls and text messages sent to the former governor had not been returned at the time of filing this story.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of illegal mining activities in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi states, where authorities have repeatedly expressed concerns over illegal extraction and smuggling of mineral resources.

Further details are expected as investigations continue and official statements are released by the relevant authorities.