Security Operatives Detained with Over $6.1M Undeclared Currency at Lagos Terminal

Airport officials detained several security personnel on Saturday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MM2) domestic wing in Lagos, after they were found attempting to board an aircraft with a massive, undeclared sum exceeding $6.1 million in US currency.

The operation, which led to the interception and subsequent apprehension of an undisclosed number of individuals identified as security operatives, unfolded during routine pre-flight checks. The suspects were reportedly trying to board a local Aero Contractors flight carrying multiple heavily laden boxes stuffed with the foreign cash.

The suspicious discovery was promptly escalated to Aviation Security (AVSEC), which subsequently transferred the case to the Department of State Services (DSS) for in-depth investigation.

The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, confirmed the dramatic turn of events, stating that his airline’s security unit first raised the alarm. The security personnel became wary after the travellers vigorously resisted attempts to have their unusually bulky luggage checked into the cargo hold, insisting on carrying it into the cabin. “Our security team noticed passengers trying to embark with extremely heavy bags. They were advised that the bags could not be taken into the cabin and should be checked in,” Sanusi explained. “They refused to comply, and later admitted the contents were cash.

When asked if the currency had been officially declared, they responded in the negative.”

Sanusi further detailed that upon further scrutiny, the individuals claimed to be either police officers or members of another security agency, asserting they were transporting a suspect along with ‘exhibits.’

This, they argued, was the reason for their refusal to part with the bags.

However, the airline management stood firm. “We informed them that transporting a suspect requires specific advance notification and adherence to strict operating procedures. We do not integrate suspects with regular passengers; there are clear protocols for boarding, disembarking, and in-flight conduct that must be followed,” Sanusi stated.

Since the group failed to follow these mandatory security guidelines, they were ultimately prevented from boarding and left the terminal, leading to their subsequent arrest and investigation by federal authorities.