The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an aviation security officer and two suspected accomplices over an alleged gold smuggling operation uncovered at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.
The anti-graft agency said the suspects, Ali Baffa, an Inspector I with Aviation Security (AVSEC), Aushabu Nasidi, and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were apprehended during a surveillance operation aimed at combating the illegal movement of mineral resources and bulk cash through international airports.
According to the EFCC, the arrests were made on June 11, 2026, following intelligence-driven monitoring by operatives of its Land and Property Fraud Section in Kano.
Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria
The operation was reportedly carried out in line with a directive from the Commission’s leadership for zonal directorates to intensify efforts against the smuggling of solid minerals and large sums of cash.
Investigators alleged that Baffa attempted to secretly transport 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars valued at more than N4.4 billion.
The precious minerals were reportedly concealed in his clothing with the intention of evading airport security procedures and transferring them to passengers travelling abroad for illegal export.
The EFCC said subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, who was allegedly linked to the supply of the gold bars.
Aushabu Nasidi
During a search, operatives reportedly recovered multiple foreign currencies from him, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinars, Philippine Pesos, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinars, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forints, and Sudanese Dinars.
Further inquiries also resulted in the arrest of Dan Zaria, who investigators believe played a key role in the movement of the gold.
During questioning, he allegedly disclosed that he had facilitated the smuggling of approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using a similar method.
The Commission 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 ongoing investigations.
