EFCC Foils N4.4bn Gold Smuggling Ring at Kano Airport, Arrests AVSEC Officer and Two Accomplices

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer and two suspected accomplices over an alleged attempt to smuggle gold worth more than N4.4 billion and foreign currencies through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The suspects, identified as Ali Baffa, an Inspector I with Aviation Security, Aushabu Nasidi, and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were apprehended during a surveillance operation conducted by operatives of the EFCC’s Land and Property Fraud Section.

According to the anti-graft agency, the arrests followed a directive by the EFCC Executive Chairman mandating 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 inside his trousers in a bid to evade airport security screening and facilitate the illegal export of the precious mineral through overseas-bound passengers.

The EFCC estimated the value of the seized gold at over N4.4 billion.

Further investigations led operatives to arrest Nasidi, who was allegedly linked to the supply of the gold bars. During a search, officers reportedly recovered multiple foreign currencies from him, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint, and Sudanese Dinar.

The probe subsequently led to the arrest of Dan Zaria, who allegedly provided the gold bars to Nasidi.

During interrogation, Dan Zaria reportedly confessed to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method employed in the latest operation.

The EFCC said all three suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.

The Commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, as efforts intensify to curb illegal exportation of mineral resources and related financial crimes across the country.