The suspects — identified as Ali Baffa, an Inspector 1 with AVSEC, Aushabu Nasidi, and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria — were arrested by operatives of the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate during a surveillance operation on Friday, June 11, 2026.
The operation followed a directive by the EFCC Chairman for intensified efforts against the smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash through international airports.
According to the anti-graft agency, preliminary investigations revealed that Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars, valued at more than N4.4 billion, inside his trousers in an attempt to evade airport security checks and transfer the precious metals to passengers travelling abroad.
Investigators said further inquiries led to the arrest of Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold to Baffa. At the time of his arrest, Nasidi was reportedly found with several foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.
The EFCC also traced the alleged supply chain to Dan Zaria, who was accused of providing the gold bars to Nasidi.
During questioning, Dan Zaria allegedly disclosed that he had moved about 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method of operation.
The three suspects remain in EFCC custody as investigators continue their probe into the alleged smuggling network. They are expected to face prosecution once investigations are concluded.