The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects, including an airport security officer, over an alleged attempt to smuggle gold worth more than ₦4.4 billion through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The anti-graft agency said the suspects were apprehended during a surveillance operation aimed at curbing the illegal export of solid minerals and other contraband through Nigeria’s international airports.

According to the EFCC, the principal suspect, Inspector Ali Baffa, an officer attached to Aviation Security (AVSEC), was intercepted while allegedly attempting to move 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars through the airport. Investigators said the gold was concealed on his person in an effort to evade security screening and facilitate its transfer to passengers travelling abroad.

The commission said further investigations led to the arrest of two other suspects believed to be part of the smuggling network.

One of the suspects, Aushabu Nasidi, was identified as the alleged supplier of the gold bars. During a search conducted at the time of his arrest, operatives reportedly recovered various foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinars, Philippine Pesos, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinars, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forints and Sudanese Dinars.

The third suspect, Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, was arrested shortly afterwards. The EFCC alleged that he acted as a courier responsible for delivering the gold to Nasidi for onward transportation.

According to the commission, Dan Zaria made statements during interrogation indicating that the smuggling route had been used on previous occasions. Investigators are examining claims that significant quantities of gold may have been moved through the same channel in recent weeks.

The EFCC said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal export of solid minerals and strengthen monitoring at the nation’s international airports.

Nigeria has intensified its crackdown on mineral smuggling in recent years amid concerns over revenue losses and the illegal exploitation of the country’s natural resources. Authorities have repeatedly warned that illicit exports undermine government efforts to formalise the mining sector and maximise earnings from the industry.

The commission confirmed that the three suspects remain in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.