…as EFCC probes two over undeclared foreign currency

Security operatives foiled an attempt by some individuals to move over $6.1 million in cash through the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Lagos, without proper declaration or clearance.

The suspects, whose identities are yet to be officially confirmed, were arrested after airline and aviation security personnel raised suspicion over several heavy boxes being moved to the foot of an Aero Contractors aircraft.

Sources at the airport said the individuals had bypassed normal security and documentation checks before being stopped by Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials and airline staff, who discovered that the boxes contained large sums of foreign currency.

They were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), which later transferred them to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

Multiple sources said the suspects claimed to be security operatives escorting a suspect and “exhibits,” but could not provide evidence or follow laid down procedures for such movements on commercial flights.

Their attempt to board the aircraft with oversized boxes raised suspicion among Aero Contractors’ staff, who insisted the bags must be checked in.

According to an Aero official, “Our security team noticed some passengers trying to board with unusually heavy bags. They refused to check them in, claiming the boxes contained money. When asked if the money was declared, they said no.”

The official added that the airline refused to allow them onboard, citing safety and regulatory protocols.

In a related incident, EFCC operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, have arrested two travellers Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi for allegedly failing to declare foreign currencies totaling $6,180 and £53,415.

The suspects, who arrived from Dubai via Addis Ababa, were intercepted by FAAN security personnel during a routine check as they prepared to board a connecting flight to Abuja.

Following their arrest, the DSS handed the duo and recovered items including three mobile phones to the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 for further investigation.

They were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Ahmed Ghali.