An airport security officer and two accomplices face charges in a major gold smuggling bust at Kano's international airport. The EFCC arrested them on Thursday during a routine operation.
Inspector Ali Baffa, an Aviation Security officer, allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of gold bars in his trousers. He planned to hand them to overseas-bound passengers, investigators say.
The contraband was valued at over ₦4.4 billion. Authorities intercepted Baffa before the transfer could happen.
Aushabu Nasidi was arrested next. Officials say he supplied the gold to Baffa.
Nasidi was found carrying various foreign currencies when detained. These included Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint, and Sudanese Dinar.
The third suspect, Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, allegedly sourced the gold. He handed it to Nasidi for distribution.
During questioning, Dan Zaria confessed to smuggling operations. Between June 1 and June 11, 2026, he moved about 40.2 kilograms using the same method.
All three remain in EFCC custody. The anti-graft agency said they'll face court charges once investigations conclude.
The Kano Zonal Directorate confirmed the arrests. Officials described it as a significant breakthrough against currency and precious metals trafficking.
