EFCC nabs aviation security officer, 2 others over alleged ₦4.4bn Gold smuggling attempt

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made the arrest of Inspector Ali Baffa, an Aviation Security officer, and two others for their alleged involvement in trying to export gold worth ₦4.4 billion out of the country via the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.

This news comes from the anti-graft commission as announced in a press release issued by the Kano Zonal office of the EFCC on Friday.

According to the statement, the officer was “picked up” during a routine check in the airport on Thursday.

It is alleged that Baffa attempted to smuggle 22.2 kilogrammes of the precious metal into his trousers with plans to pass them over to some international travellers.

“Following further investigations, Aushabu Nasidi who supplied the gold was also picked up.

It was further stated by the agency that several foreign currencies were found with Nasidi which included Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.

The EFCC also revealed that Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria was apprehended during the investigation for being one of those who brought the gold to Nasidi.

During interrogations, the EFCC stated that Dan Zaria admitted smuggling about 40.2 kg of gold between June 1st and June 11th, 2026 via the same modus operandi.

According to the EFCC, the three suspects are still in detention and would be taken to trial following investigations.

In a bid to control the illicit exportation of the solid minerals especially gold, Nigeria has been making more concerted efforts.

Over the last few years, several arrests have been made by security agencies related to the illegal export of gold and other mineral resources via air transport and other borders.