The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recently announced the interception of N6 million worth of fake US dollars that were en route to the Benin Republic from Nigeria through the border. The Customs Area Controller, Dera Nnadi, addressed journalists on Thursday, revealing that the counterfeit currency, equivalent to N2.7 billion, was seized on Tuesday. He explained that all the fake bills bore the same serial number and confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the counterfeit currency.
Nnadi detailed the interception, stating, “On January 31, 2023, Customs officers at the Gbaaji checkpoint intercepted a vehicle carrying two passengers. Upon inspection, they discovered the fake US dollars.” He noted that the total amount counted was $6,000,000 in $100 wraps, emphasizing that only a trained officer could identify them as counterfeit. He added that the uniformity of the serial numbers was a significant indicator of their fakeness. Despite the challenges in detecting the counterfeit bills, the officers managed to apprehend a few individuals involved.
Additionally, Nnadi reported that the suspects attempted to bribe the officers with genuine $150,000, but the officers refused the offer. The command also intercepted 39,000 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N9 million, which was also intended for export. He mentioned that they seized 30 liters each from 1,300 jerrycans of PMS along the creeks and arrested two suspects related to both the fake currency and the PMS.
In a further development, the command intercepted six international passports that featured the same photograph but different names and nationalities. Nnadi explained, “A few hours later, while searching other passengers in a different vehicle, we discovered these international passports.” He noted that all six passports were from the Republic of Malta and bore the image of a woman, purportedly a European, but with varying names. The same individual also possessed six international driver’s licenses, all featuring her photograph but with different names.
Nnadi highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, “We are dealing with a very dangerous syndicate that operates across the border.” He acknowledged the upcoming elections and the challenges the country faces, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in light of these developments. The passports were intercepted at Gbatrume while they were being smuggled out of the country. Furthermore, the command seized 550 pieces of donkey skin with a duty-paid value of N11 million and 93 pieces of fake herbicide valued at N491 million.
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