The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an aviation security inspector and two suspected accomplices over an alleged multi-billion-naira gold smuggling operation at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects , Ali Baffa, an airport security Inspector I, alongside Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria were apprehended during a surveillance operation on June 11, 2026.
The operation was reportedly carried out following directives to intensify crackdowns on the smuggling of mineral resources and undeclared cash through Nigeria’s international airports.
According to investigators, Baffa allegedly attempted to evade security checks by concealing 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars in his trousers.
The gold, estimated to be worth more than N4.4 billion, was allegedly destined for illegal export through overseas-bound passengers.
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Further investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, who is accused of supplying the gold bars.
The EFCC said he was found with multiple foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinars, Philippine Pesos, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinars, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forints, and Sudanese Dinars.
The probe also resulted in the arrest of Dan Zaria, who allegedly handed the gold to Nasidi.
During questioning, he reportedly told investigators that he had successfully smuggled approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
All three suspects remain in EFCC custody as investigations continue.
The commission said they will be charged in court upon the conclusion of its investigation.
