The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a suspicious parcel containing foreign currencies worth over N426 billion, intercepted at a Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) facility in Lagos.
The EFCC disclosed the development on Thursday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, following the handover of the parcel by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NIPOST officials.
According to the statement, the intercepted package contained ZW$101 trillion (Zimbabwean Dollars), equivalent to N426,091,066,068.06, and VND 41.64 million (Vietnamese Dong), valued at N95,746.52.
The parcel was reportedly flagged during routine inspections at the Lagos postal center, thanks to the vigilance of NCS and NIPOST personnel. The official handover took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
“In a related development, the Commission has also begun an investigation into a parcel containing ZW$101 trillion and VND 41.64 million, which was intercepted by officials of NIPOST and the Nigeria Customs Service,” the EFCC said.
Airport Area Comptroller, E.J. Harrison, praised the collaborative effort, stating: “We intercepted a parcel containing large amounts of foreign currency. This was only possible due to the dedication and alertness of our officers and NIPOST officials. It is our duty to prevent such transactions from slipping through.”
Receiving the parcel, M.A. Timta, representing the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, assured the public that the Commission would fast-track the investigation.
In a related case, the EFCC confirmed it is also investigating Phil-Olumba Ifunaya Sheila, who was arrested by Customs officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The suspect, en route to the United Kingdom, was allegedly found in possession of undeclared foreign currencies totaling $14,567, £1,030, and CA$40. Sheila initially claimed she was only carrying $4,000.
The EFCC has since taken custody of the suspect and the funds, and is probing potential violations of financial disclosure and anti-money laundering laws.
These cases underscore ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to tighten border surveillance and enforce compliance with currency declaration regulations at critical transit points such as airports and postal facilities.
Under Nigerian law, travelers must declare any amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent upon entry or exit.
