Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The Nigeria Customs Service has delivered a devastating blow to the illicit wildlife trade, announcing the interception of 48 endangered animals in a single operation that officials are calling the largest and most diverse wildlife seizure in the history of the service and possibly the entire West African sub-region. The Kano/Jigawa Area Command made the record-breaking bust on the night of August 25, 2026, along the Kano-Daura Road, following an intelligence-led operation that has disrupted a major trafficking supply chain and sent a clear warning to criminal networks operating in the region.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Controller of Customs Usman Adamu, who disclosed the seizure to journalists at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano, on Friday, described the haul as unprecedented in both scale and diversity. “It is important to note that this is believed to be the largest and most diverse single seizure of wildlife ever recorded in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and probably the West African sub-region,” Adamu declared. The animals, which were intercepted at approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, comprised a staggering array of species, including some of the world's most critically endangered primates and rare reptiles.
The consignment included four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, and two baby gorillas—species that are classified as critically endangered and are protected under international conventions. Officers also recovered seven red-coloured Patas monkeys, two galagos, commonly known as bush babies, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat, and 19 greater bustard wild birds. In total, the animals comprised 15 primates, four wild cats, 25 wild birds, two albino crocodiles, and a honey badger. The diversity of species recovered in a single operation underscores the scale and sophistication of the trafficking network that Customs has now disrupted.
Three male suspects were arrested in connection with the trafficking attempt and have since been handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution. According to officials, the suspects made multiple attempts to bribe the officers during the operation, but the patrol team demonstrated a high level of professionalism and refused the offers. The interception has effectively dismantled a supply chain involved in the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife, dealing a significant blow to the criminal networks that profit from the exploitation of Nigeria's biodiversity.
The operation was carried out under the legal framework of Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the service to enforce laws relating to the importation and exportation of prohibited goods, including endangered species. The seizure also aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. By intercepting this consignment, the NCS has not only enforced domestic law but also upheld Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Area Controller, the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, commended the officers for their vigilance and integrity. He noted that the suspects attempted to bribe the patrol team multiple times, but the officers remained steadfast in their duty. “The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road. Commendably, our patrol officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the operation, as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes,” Zanna stated. He added that the gallant effort had disrupted the supply chain and would play a significant role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife in the region.
The wildlife seizure formed part of a broader enforcement drive by the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, which has recorded seizures and detentions with a combined Duty Paid Value of more than N2 billion since July 2026. The command has also demonstrated impressive revenue performance, generating N88.92 billion so far in 2026, compared with N63.07 billion recorded during its half-year revenue period. July 2026 recorded the highest monthly revenue collection in the command’s history, with more than N14 billion generated during the month. These achievements, Adamu said, were recorded in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the service’s mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, border control, and enforcement.
In addition to the wildlife interception, the command also seized a wide range of prohibited and restricted goods, including 1,491 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 2,928 packs of foreign macaroni, 35 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,000 jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil, 514 cartons of assorted soap, eight suspected diverted transit truck heads, and seven smuggled vehicles. Unregistered pharmaceutical products comprising 712,690 tablets and 17,470 vials and ampoules were also seized and handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action. The command also intercepted undeclared foreign currencies, including $3,800, £15,975, and 827,800 Saudi riyals, which were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The historic wildlife seizure has drawn widespread attention to the growing threat of wildlife trafficking in Nigeria and the broader West African region. The illegal trade in endangered species is a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise that drives species to the brink of extinction, undermines local economies, and fuels organised crime. By intercepting 48 endangered animals in a single operation, the Kano/Jigawa Area Command has demonstrated that Nigeria is serious about its commitment to protecting biodiversity and enforcing the laws that safeguard it. The Acting Area Controller reaffirmed the command’s determination to continue strengthening surveillance and enforcement to prevent violations of customs laws and protect Nigeria’s natural heritage.
As the three suspects face prosecution, the fate of the rescued animals remains uncertain. Officials have not disclosed whether the animals will be repatriated to their natural habitats or placed in conservation facilities. However, the seizure itself represents a significant victory in the fight against wildlife trafficking—a fight that requires continued vigilance, international cooperation, and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies. For the Nigeria Customs Service, the record-breaking bust is not just a statistic; it is a statement. As Adamu put it, the interception underscores the scale and gravity of the trafficking attempt and shows the command's intensified resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and uphold its obligations under international conventions.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments