Efcc detains airport officer and others for gold smuggling plot
Three people, including Inspector Ali Baffa, have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged attempt to smuggle unprocessed gold bars worth more than ₦4.4 billion out of Nigeria. The arrests happened at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, with the EFCC revealing that the gold was concealed in trousers and meant for passengers travelling overseas. Further investigation led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who were allegedly involved in the supply and delivery of the gold bars. During interrogation, Dan Zaria confessed to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
What happened
- Inspector Ali Baffa was arrested during a routine surveillance operation at the airport for attempting to smuggle 22.2 kilograms of gold bars.
- The gold bars were concealed in his trousers and intended for passengers travelling abroad.
- Aushabu Nasidi was arrested for allegedly supplying the gold bars, and assorted foreign currencies were recovered from him.
- Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria was also arrested for allegedly delivering the gold bars to Nasidi.
- During interrogation, Dan Zaria confessed to smuggling about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
