The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, Ali Baffa, and two other suspects for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of gold and foreign currencies through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that Baffa, an Inspector I with AVSEC, was arrested alongside Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria during a surveillance operation conducted by operatives of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate.
According to a statement issued by the commission, the suspects were intercepted on June 11, 2026, following a directive by the EFCC Chairman instructing all directorates to intensify efforts against the smuggling of mineral resources and large sums of cash through international airports.
The EFCC said preliminary investigations revealed that Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars valued at over N4.4 billion in his trousers in an attempt to evade security checks and facilitate the illegal export of the precious minerals.
The statement noted that the suspect intended to hand over the gold to passengers travelling overseas.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Ali Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars estimated to be worth over N4.4 billion in his trousers, with the intent to bypass security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export from Nigeria,” the statement said.
The commission further disclosed that investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, who was allegedly responsible for supplying the gold bars to Baffa.
Upon his arrest, Nasidi was reportedly found in possession of several foreign currencies, including 3,000 Saudi riyals, 40,000 Turkish lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti dinars, 20,700 Philippine pesos, 80 Australian dollars, 310 Chinese renminbi, 4,000 Algerian dinars, 40 Hong Kong dollars, 26,000 Hungarian forints and 1,000 Sudanese dinars.
Further investigations also led to the arrest of Dan Zaria, who allegedly handed the gold bars to Nasidi.
The EFCC said Dan Zaria, during interrogation, admitted to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
“While being interviewed, Dan Zaria revealed to the commission that he had smuggled an estimated 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same modus operandi,” the statement added.
The commission stated that the three suspects are currently in its custody and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
“They will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the EFCC stated.
Kano times
