Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has dealt a significant blow to wildlife trafficking and cross-border smuggling with the interception of 48 ivory tusks weighing 74 kilograms and 220 kilograms of pangolin scales, leading to the arrest of five suspects. The seizure, which also included 534.55 kilograms of dried donkey meat, 25,295 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, has a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N362.2 million. The Area Controller, Comptroller M.A. Tako, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, while presenting the Command's anti-smuggling scorecard covering the last six weeks.
According to Comptroller Tako, the wildlife products were intercepted on July 23, 2026, along the Yola-Numan Road after operatives stopped a Toyota Hiace bus conveying the contraband. The interception of the endangered species, which included elephant tusks and pangolin scales, highlights Nigeria's continued role as a major transit hub for illegal wildlife products destined for international markets. The Command also recovered 64 pieces of raw donkey skin during separate operations, which, along with the dried donkey meat, are often trafficked for use in traditional medicine and other purposes. The five suspects arrested in connection with the seizures are currently under investigation and will face prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the Common External Tariff Export Prohibition List, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Beyond the wildlife products, the Customs operatives seized a significant quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contained in 1,003 jerrycans and one 220-litre drum, as well as nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp. The Command further intercepted a DAF low-bed trailer transporting a Sanny motor grader allegedly being illegally exported to the Republic of Chad. In all, Customs seized three vehicles comprising the DAF low-bed truck, the Sanny motor grader, and the Toyota Hiace bus used in conveying the contraband. The cumulative Duty Paid Value of all the intercepted items stands at N362,204,543.91, underscoring the scale of the illicit trade operating across the Adamawa and Taraba axis.
The Comptroller warned that the Service would continue to clamp down on smugglers involved in the illegal movement of petroleum products, endangered wildlife species, and narcotics, stressing that such activities threaten national security, public health, and Nigeria's economy. He announced that the seized donkey skins would be destroyed immediately after the briefing in collaboration with relevant government agencies, in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act. Tako urged smugglers and other economic saboteurs to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate trade, assuring that the Command would continue to dismantle smuggling networks operating across Adamawa and Taraba states.
The seizure comes amid growing concern over Nigeria's role as a major hub for wildlife trafficking, with the country serving as a key transit point for ivory, pangolin scales, and other endangered species products destined for markets in Asia and beyond. The pangolin, the world's most trafficked mammal, is highly sought after for its scales, which are used in traditional medicine, and its meat, which is considered a delicacy in some countries. Despite international bans and increased enforcement efforts, trafficking syndicates continue to exploit porous borders and weak regulatory frameworks to move wildlife products out of Africa.
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command's success in intercepting this shipment is a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and sustained inter-agency collaboration. The Command has been at the forefront of efforts to combat smuggling in the region, which has become a corridor for the illegal movement of petroleum products, narcotics, and wildlife contraband. The arrest of the five suspects and the seizure of the contraband represent a significant setback for the criminal networks that profit from the illegal wildlife trade and economic sabotage.
The destruction of the seized donkey skins, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, underscores the government's commitment to disrupting the supply chain of illegal wildlife products and preventing their reintroduction into the market. The Comptroller's warning to smugglers reflects the Service's resolve to sustain the momentum of its anti-smuggling operations and protect Nigeria's biodiversity and economic interests. As investigations continue, the five suspects face the prospect of prosecution, which could result in significant penalties under Nigerian law.
The interception of the 48 ivory tusks and 220 kilograms of pangolin scales is a stark reminder of the scale of the illegal wildlife trade and the urgent need for enhanced enforcement and international cooperation. The global demand for ivory and pangolin scales continues to drive poaching and trafficking, threatening the survival of these endangered species. Nigeria's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking have been bolstered by partnerships with organizations such as the Wildlife Justice Commission, which have supported investigations and seizures across the country.
The Comptroller's disclosure that the Command would continue to intensify its anti-smuggling operations sends a clear message to traffickers that Nigeria is not a safe haven for their activities. The seizures of PMS and cannabis, along with the attempted export of the motor grader, highlight the Command's comprehensive approach to tackling smuggling in all its forms. The total Duty Paid Value of the intercepted items reflects the significant economic impact of smuggling on Nigeria's revenue and security.
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command's scorecard covering the last six weeks demonstrates the relentless efforts of Customs operatives to protect the nation's borders and enforce trade regulations. The arrest of five suspects and the seizure of contraband worth over N362 million are a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the officers involved. The Command's resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and prosecute offenders is a critical component of Nigeria's broader strategy to combat transnational organized crime and protect its natural resources.
As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of smuggling and illegal trade, the success of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for other commands to intensify their anti-smuggling operations. The interception of the 48 ivory tusks, 220 kilograms of pangolin scales, and other contraband is a significant victory in the fight against wildlife trafficking and economic sabotage, but it also underscores the need for sustained vigilance and enforcement to protect Nigeria's endangered species and economic future.
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