The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched an internal investigation following allegations that one of its security personnel participated in an illegal gold export operation at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The development comes after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested a member of the Aviation Security unit alongside two other suspects over an alleged attempt to move gold worth billions of naira out of the country.
FAAN Opens Internal Investigation
FAAN management said it is gathering facts surrounding the incident before taking any disciplinary action.
The agency confirmed that the staff member at the centre of the allegations has received an official query. However, authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing and no final decision has been reached.
FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire explained that management would rely on the outcome of both internal findings and information from the EFCC before determining its next steps.
According to him, the authority is allowing investigators to complete their work before announcing a definitive position on the matter.
EFCC Details Alleged Smuggling Plot
The anti-corruption agency accused the airport security operative, Ali Baffa, of participating in an operation to illegally export gold from Nigeria.
According to the EFCC, investigators intercepted the suspects during a surveillance exercise conducted by officers from its Kano Zonal Directorate.
The commission alleged that Baffa attempted to transport 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold with an estimated value of more than N4.4 billion.
Investigators claimed he concealed the mineral in an effort to avoid detection before handing it over for export.
Additional Arrests Follow Investigation
The case expanded after investigators traced the alleged source of the gold.
The EFCC identified one of the additional suspects as Aushabu Nasidi. Authorities claimed he supplied the gold recovered during the operation.
During the investigation, officers reportedly recovered several foreign currencies from Nasidi. The currencies allegedly included Saudi riyals, Turkish lira, Kuwaiti dinars, Philippine pesos, Australian dollars, Chinese renminbi, Algerian dinars, Hong Kong dollars, Hungarian forints and Sudanese dinars.
The discovery has become part of the broader investigation into the suspected smuggling network.
Third Suspect Linked To Gold Supply Chain
Further inquiries later led investigators to another suspect, Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria.
The EFCC alleged that Dan Zaria played a role in supplying the gold that eventually reached the other suspects.
According to the commission, statements obtained during questioning suggested that similar operations may have taken place before the latest arrest.
Investigators are now examining those claims as part of efforts to determine the full scale of the alleged activities.
Authorities Examine Previous Transactions
One of the major aspects of the investigation involves allegations that substantial quantities of gold may have been moved using a similar method in recent weeks.
The EFCC said preliminary findings indicate that previous shipments could have occurred within a short period before the arrests.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional suspects may be involved.
Investigators are expected to review travel records, financial transactions, and other evidence as they seek to establish the extent of the operation.
Awaiting Official Outcome
While the allegations have attracted significant public attention, both FAAN and the EFCC continue to treat the matter as an ongoing investigation.
FAAN has maintained that its final position will depend on verified findings and due process.
Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency is expected to conclude its investigation before deciding on possible criminal charges against the suspects.
The case has renewed discussions about airport security procedures and the need for stronger measures to prevent the illegal movement of valuable minerals and other contraband through the nation’s airports.
