Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — In a decisive move to protect the integrity of international trade and aviation operations, the Lagos Airport Police Command has uncovered and thwarted a sophisticated import fraud scheme valued at N17.03 million, leading to the arrest of a suspect at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). The operation underscores escalating efforts by Nigerian law enforcement agencies to fortify security at the nation’s busiest aviation hub and interrupt criminal activities that could jeopardise economic stability and cross-border commerce.
According to an official statement released by the Airport Police Command on Monday, the fraud involved the illicit procurement and attempted importation of goods from Canada by an individual identified as 52‑year‑old Moshood Olayinka. The consignment, comprising 12 NEC projectors and 12 Automatic External Defibrillators (AED Plus), was valued at approximately N17,032,160 — equivalent to $16,000 Canadian dollars — though only a fraction of the payment was processed before the transaction triggered alarms within financial monitoring systems.
The case first came to light on 4 December 2025, when officers from the NAHCO Airport Police Division received a tip‑off regarding a suspicious shipment originating from Canada. Subsequent inquiries revealed that Olayinka had allegedly used counterfeit credit card details to secure the purchase and employed forged documentation to validate the shipment with the Canadian shipping firm responsible for transporting the goods to Lagos.
Airport Command spokesperson ASP Mohammed Adeola confirmed that although only the equivalent of $4,000 CAD was successfully processed before the fraud was detected, the merchandise had already been dispatched from Canada. The early release of the consignment, before full verification of the transaction’s legitimacy, raised red flags among authorities who then launched an intensive, intelligence‑driven investigation.
Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke told journalists that the proactive operation reflected a strategic emphasis on timely intelligence gathering and collaboration across security units. “Our investigations established that the suspect used counterfeit credit cards to facilitate the purchase and also forged an invoice presented to the shipping company in an attempt to legitimise the transaction,” she said, adding that the arrest was a direct result of sustained efforts to disrupt criminal actors before goods entered the national supply chain.
Olayinka, who has since confessed to his involvement in the scheme, is currently in custody as detectives work to identify potential accomplices and trace any linked assets. Authorities have indicated that the goods may be returned to Canada once the investigation concludes, and that formal charges will be filed against the suspect in court.
Law enforcement officials assert that such fraud not only undermines legitimate trade but also constitutes a threat to national security, particularly as criminal syndicates increasingly exploit international transportation channels for illicit activities. Aviation hubs like MMIA serve as key nodes in global commerce, and any compromise in cargo integrity could have far‑reaching consequences for investor confidence, import/export compliance, and revenue collection.
This latest operation at Lagos airport forms part of a broader pattern of intensified security measures by Nigerian authorities. In preceding months, various agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted multiple unlawful activities ranging from undeclared currency to illegal narcotics at the same airport. In one notable instance earlier this year, customs officials seized $578,000 in falsely declared cash from an inbound passenger before handing over the suspect to the EFCC for prosecution.
Such incidents have prompted sustained calls for improved surveillance systems, stronger interagency coordination, and more comprehensive training for frontline officers at ports of entry. Nigeria’s international airports, particularly the MMIA in Lagos, are pivotal in the West African region’s supply chain infrastructure. Efforts to fortify their security environments are seen as vital to ensuring compliance with global trade standards and deterring transnational crime rings.
The Airport Police Command’s approach in this case illustrates a shift toward intelligence‑led policing, with a focus on pre‑empting fraud before it can materialise fully. Deploying analytical tools and fostering cooperation with private industry partners — such as shipping companies and financial institutions — have been key elements in this strategy. Authorities believe that such collaborations will not only enhance detection capabilities but also create deterrents against future attempts by criminals seeking to exploit the import ecosystem.
In her remarks, CP Ogunbode reiterated that the airport police unit remains unwavering in its mandate to safeguard travellers and the international freight flow. “The command remains resolute in deploying intelligence‑led policing strategies to safeguard Nigeria’s airports and protect the travelling public,” she stated, highlighting the importance of vigilance in an increasingly complex global security environment.
Analysts suggest that the sophistication of modern fraud schemes — often involving false identities, fraudulent financial instruments, and international logistics networks — necessitates ongoing adaptation from security forces. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing digital transaction monitoring, and improving information sharing between foreign and domestic law enforcement agencies are among the recommended measures to bolster Nigeria’s defences against financial and trade‑related crimes.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have assured the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served and that systemic vulnerabilities are addressed. Meanwhile, the Airport Command’s successful interception serves as a reminder of the critical role that vigilant policing and strategic intelligence play in protecting economic interests and maintaining the rule of law at points of global connectivity.
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