The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security officer, Inspector Ali Baffa, and two suspected accomplices at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport over an alleged attempt to smuggle unprocessed gold bars worth more than ₦4.4 billion out of Nigeria. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC disclosed the development in a statement shared on the commission’s official social media platforms on Friday.
According to the agency, Baffa was arrested on Thursday during a routine surveillance operation at the airport. The commission alleged that the aviation security officer concealed 22.2 kilograms of gold bars in his trousers with the intention of handing them over to passengers travelling abroad.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who was allegedly connected to the supply of the gold bars. The EFCC said assorted foreign currencies were recovered from Nasidi, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.
Investigators also arrested Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who allegedly delivered the gold bars to Nasidi. During interrogation, the EFCC said Dan Zaria confessed to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method. The anti-graft agency stated that the three suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Nigeria has intensified efforts to combat the illegal export of solid minerals, particularly gold, amid concerns over revenue losses and the operations of smuggling networks. In recent years, security and anti-corruption agencies have recorded several arrests linked to the unlawful movement of gold and other mineral resources through the country’s airports and border routes.
Source: https://punchng.com/
