The Area Controller for Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Mohammed Shuaibu, said the command has intercepted 7 million CFA equivalent to N17 million at the Idiroko border area of the State.

Shuaibu disclosed this on Tuesday, during a press briefing and handing over of the cash to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, led by Head of Investigation, EFCC Lagos Zone 2, Oguzi Moses, at the Idiroko command headquarters.

The Area controller stated that the francophone countries’ currency were intercepted on Thursday at the Idiroko border.

Giving details of how the money was intercepted, Shuaibu explained that the currency was found hidden in a bag en route to the Republic of Benin.

He added that when the bag, which was suspected to be carrying unlawful contents was spotted, operatives of the command gave it a thorough examination and new mint foreign currency notes were tucked inside it.

Shuaibu stated that the seized foreign currency notes which are also equivalent to $11,000, were handed over to the EFCC because it is the agency saddled with tackling illicit currency flow into Nigeria.

According to Shuaibu, the EFCC was given the confiscated foreign currency notes, which are also equivalent to $11,000, since it is the organisation tasked with combating the illegal flow of money into Nigeria, adding that handing over the currency is equally intended to promote interagency cooperation between the NCS, EFCC, and other sister agencies.

His word: “We must continue to send the right signal to discourage other people from indulging in the despicable act of smuggling. The command under my leadership is committed to the strict implementation of the Federal Government fiscal policies and the extent laws that govern the day-to-day operations of the service at the international corridor. I wish to advise the border communities to discourage and desist from any unscrupulous act of smuggling activity”, Shuaibu submitted.

Responding, Oguzi, commended the officers and operatives of Ogun 1 Area Command of the NSC for their vigilance and thorough scrutiny of baggage coming into the country through the Idiroko border post.

He assured that a thorough investigation would be carried out to uncover the circumstances surrounding the interception.

“As we take over this case, the EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this interception and ensure that due process is followed. Let this serve as a reminder that no effort will be spared in holding accountable those who seek to undermine the integrity of our financial systems”, Oguzi said.

Nigeria Customs intercepts 7m CFA at Ogun border, hands cash to EFCC