LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — A group of individuals identifying themselves as security operatives was arrested Saturday at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MM2) in Ikeja, Lagos, after attempting to board a domestic flight with over $6.1 million in undeclared cash, authorities confirmed.
The suspects, whose exact number has not been officially disclosed, were intercepted while preparing to board an Aero Contractors flight. The group had already cleared initial security checks before staff flagged their baggage due to its unusual weight and size.
According to Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, suspicions were raised by ground personnel at the boarding gate.
“Our security team flagged the baggage due to its size and weight,” Sanusi said. “The individuals refused to check in the luggage and eventually admitted that it contained money, which had not been declared.”
The suspects allegedly claimed they were law enforcement agents transporting a suspect and accompanying evidence, which initially allowed them to bypass standard screening procedures. However, their evasive conduct drew the attention of Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel, who intervened and escalated the matter.
Further inspection revealed that the men were carrying multiple boxes filled with U.S. dollars — totaling approximately $6.1 million in cash, none of which had been formally declared to airport or customs authorities.
Following their detention, the suspects were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for questioning. The DSS subsequently transferred the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has now opened a full-scale investigation into the origin, purpose, and legality of the funds.
As of Saturday night, EFCC operatives were said to be reviewing airport security footage and interviewing airline staff.
An EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the commission is also probing possible money laundering, abuse of office, and security protocol violations.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the potential misuse of security credentials at Nigerian airports, especially by individuals claiming law enforcement affiliations. Airport sources said the suspects failed to provide any formal documentation to validate their claim of escorting a detainee or transferring evidentiary materials.
“In such cases, airlines must be formally notified in advance, and specific boarding protocols must be followed,” Sanusi added. “None of that happened here.”
Multiple security officials expressed concern over the unauthorized use of privileged access to bypass screening, noting that such actions could compromise airport integrity and passenger safety.
A senior airport official said the case may prompt a review of procedures for law enforcement officers using commercial flights, especially where sensitive materials or high-value items are involved.
As of Sunday morning, the identities of the detained individuals had not been publicly released. The EFCC is expected to brief the press once preliminary investigations are concluded.
The incident adds to growing scrutiny of financial crimes in Nigeria’s airspace, following recent seizures involving undeclared currencies and unauthorized bulk cash movements.
