Some men claiming to be security operatives attempting to board a flight with over $6.1 million in cash were intercepted and arrested on Saturday at the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos.
The men were reportedly caught during routine checks while trying to board an Aero Contractors flight.
Sources explained that the passengers were found with multiple boxes loaded with undeclared U.S dollars.
It was gathered that the personnel had initially passed through airport security units before they were apprehended at the foot of the aircraft after Aero Contractors security noticed the heavy luggage.
The matter was then escalated and was reported to Aviation Security, which later handed it over to the Department of State Services.
A senior FAAN official who spoke under the condition of anonymity said the DSS later transferred the suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where they are currently being held for further investigation.
Another airport source told The PUNCH that the suspects had claimed to be security agents escorting a suspect and exhibits, but failed to declare the cash or follow due procedures for transporting suspects on commercial flights.
The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, said his airline’s security team grew suspicious after the individuals refused to check in their heavy bags.
