The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, Inspector Ali Baffa, and two accomplices at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle unprocessed gold bars worth over ₦4.4 billion out of Nigeria.
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC confirmed that Baffa was intercepted yesterday, during a routine surveillance operation, reports Daily Trust.
According to the Commission, investigators alleged that Baffa concealed 22.2 kilograms of gold bars in his trousers, intending to hand them over to passengers bound for overseas destinations.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold bars.
Nasidi was found with assorted foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint, and Sudanese Dinar.
The anti-graft agency also apprehended Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who reportedly handed the gold to Nasidi.
During interrogation, Dan Zaria admitted to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
EFCC said all the suspects are currently in its custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
