EFCC nsabs AVSEC inspector, two others over N4.4bn gold smuggling

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) Inspector and two other suspects over alleged involvement in bulk cash and gold smuggling at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The suspects — Ali Baffa, an Inspector 1 with Aviation Security; Aushabu Nasidi; and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria — were arrested on Friday, June 11, 2026, during a surveillance operation by the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate’s Land and Property Fraud Section.

According to the Commission, the operation followed directives to intensify efforts against illegal movement of cash and mineral resources through Nigeria’s international airports.

Preliminary findings indicated that Ali Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars, valued at over ₦4.4 billion, in his trousers with the intent to evade security checks and transfer the items to outbound international passengers for illicit export.

Investigators said Aushabu Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold bars, was also arrested and found in possession of multiple 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.

Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, identified as the alleged supplier of the gold to Nasidi.

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.

The EFCC said all three suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.