₦4.4bn gold smuggling plot uncovered as EFCC arrests an aviation security officer and two suspects at Kano airport with 22.2kg of gold

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security officer, Inspector Ali Baffa, and two suspected accomplices over an alleged ₦4.4 billion gold smuggling operation uncovered at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Also read: Blessing CEO reacts to EFCC case in viral statement

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC announced the arrests in a statement released on Friday, revealing that the suspects were intercepted during an operation targeting the illegal export of unprocessed gold from Nigeria.

According to the commission, Baffa was apprehended on Thursday during a routine surveillance exercise at the airport.

Investigators alleged that the aviation security officer concealed 22.2 kilograms of gold bars inside his trousers with the intention of transferring the consignment to passengers travelling to overseas destinations.

The EFCC said the discovery led investigators to another suspect, Aushabu Nasidi, who is alleged to have supplied the gold bars.

During a subsequent operation, officials reportedly recovered various foreign currencies from Nasidi, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who is alleged to have delivered the gold bars to Nasidi as part of the smuggling network.

In a significant development, the EFCC said Dan Zaria confessed during interrogation to smuggling approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using a similar method.

The anti-graft agency stated that the three suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the commission said.

The case is the latest in a series of enforcement actions targeting illegal mineral exports as Nigerian authorities intensify efforts to curb revenue losses linked to illicit gold trafficking and organised smuggling syndicates.

Gold remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable solid mineral resources, and authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over the large quantities that leave the country through unofficial channels without proper documentation or payment of statutory revenues.

In recent years, security agencies and anti-corruption investigators have recorded multiple arrests involving the unlawful movement of gold and other mineral resources through airports, border crossings and informal trade routes.

Also read: EFCC arraigns two over alleged N560m theft case in Lagos

The latest operation at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal export of Nigeria’s mineral wealth and improve regulatory oversight of the solid minerals sector.