RismadarVoice Reporters
June 11, 2026
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, Ali Baffa, alongside two others, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, over alleged involvement in bulk cash and mineral resources smuggling at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects were arrested during a surveillance operation conducted by the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate following directives to intensify efforts against the smuggling of mineral resources and undeclared cash through international airports.
According to preliminary investigations, Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars valued at more than N4.4 billion in his clothing with the intention of bypassing airport security checks and handing the minerals to international passengers for illegal export.
Investigators said further inquiries led to the arrest of Nasidi, who was allegedly linked to the supply of the gold bars. Upon his arrest, he was reportedly found with several 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.
The EFCC also arrested Dan Zaria, who was allegedly connected to the source of the gold bars recovered during the operation.
According to the Commission, Dan Zaria allegedly disclosed during interrogation that he had smuggled an estimated 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using a similar method.
The anti-graft agency said all three suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
The EFCC added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
