Security operatives have arrested a group of passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA1), Lagos, after they were found travelling with a staggering $6.1 million (about N8.9 billion) in cash.
According to a Premium Times report, the suspects—described as a group of young men—were intercepted at the domestic terminal while preparing to board an Aero Contractors flight.
Multiple security sources said the passengers were believed to be couriers for a politically exposed person (PEP), although their exact identities and destination have not yet been confirmed.
The arrest was reportedly carried out by operatives of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit, who became suspicious after routine screening checks revealed the unusually large amount of foreign currency.
Sources familiar with the case, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said the suspects have been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation and further investigation.
The EFCC is expected to determine the source of the funds, the intended destination, and whether the transaction breaches Nigeria’s money laundering and financial reporting regulations.