EFCC ARRESTS AVIATION OFFICER, TWO OTHERS OVER ALLEGED N4.4BN GOLD SMUGGLING
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer and two other suspects over their alleged involvement in a gold smuggling syndicate operating through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects were apprehended during a surveillance operation by operatives of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate as part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal export of mineral resources and bulk cash through Nigeria’s international airports.
According to the commission, preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, an AVSEC officer, allegedly attempted to smuggle 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold valued at over N4.4 billion through the airport.
The anti-graft agency said further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be connected to the smuggling operation. It added that a number of foreign currencies were recovered during the operation.
The EFCC disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the alleged network.
The commission said the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.