EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer and Accomplices in N4.4 Billion Gold Smuggling Plot

EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer Over N4.4bn Gold Smuggling

Global • Fri Jun 12 2026 • By Starkid

KANO — Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer and two other suspects at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for an alleged attempt to smuggle unprocessed gold bars valued at over ₦4.4 billion out of Nigeria.

The Operation

The arrests were carried out on June 11, 2026, during a targeted surveillance operation conducted by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate. This crackdown follows a direct mandate from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede for zonal offices to intensify enforcement against the smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash through the nation's international transit points.

The primary suspect, identified as Ali Baffa, an Inspector I with Aviation Security, was intercepted while allegedly attempting to bypass standard security screening. Investigators allege that Baffa had concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars inside his trousers, intending to hand the contraband to passengers destined for overseas flights.

Accomplices and Evidence

Following Baffa's arrest, the EFCC traced the supply chain, leading to the apprehension of two additional suspects:

Aushabu Nasidi: Alleged to have supplied the gold bars to Baffa. Upon his arrest, operatives recovered a significant haul of various foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, and several other currencies.
Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria: Alleged to be the source who supplied the gold to Nasidi.

During interrogation, Dan Zaria reportedly confessed to a broader smuggling operation, claiming to have illegally transported approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same illicit method.

The EFCC has confirmed that all three suspects remain in custody as the commission finalizes its investigation. They are expected to be arraigned in court shortly.

Increasing Airport Scrutiny

This arrest reflects a heightened campaign by Nigerian anti-graft and security agencies to curb the illegal movement of mineral resources and undeclared foreign currency. Recent months have seen a surge in such interceptions at Kano Airport, including the investigation of two passengers in May 2026 for failing to declare $461,600, and a March interception of 22.8 kilograms of silver bars worth over ₦116 million.