.Apprehends 10 Suspects
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has scaled up its anti- wild life trafficking with the latest seizure of 1x40ft container laden with 10,603 donkey genitals along Kaduna-Abuja express way on Friday, 5 June 2025 at exactly 21:00 hours.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, made this known at a press briefing held at the Service Government Warehouse, Karu, Abuja on Thursday, 10 July 2025
The CGC, who was represented by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada noted that the interception was carried out under the coordinated surveillance by officers of the special wild life office, and Customs Intelligence Unit, which confirms the persistent of illegal Wild life trafficking networks in exploiting Nigeria Corridors.
He noted that the latest seizure is not an isolated incident as over the past twelve months, the special wild life office has uncovered and disrupted multiple illicit wild life traffic operations across the country.
“Note worthy among this include: Recovery of six African Grey Parrots, and arrest of one suspect in 10 December 2024 at Kano; interception of two life Pangolins; five mona monkeys, one baby baboon and a African Grey Parrot at Lagos Airport in May 2025.
“In another separate operation, there was an arrest of one suspect in Ikom area of Cross River State linked to seizures of 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, 128 hornbill heads, and other exotic species,” he said.
He revealed that the Service handed over rescued tortoises to the National Park Service in Oyo State on 13 January 2025.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Customs Service
Maiwada said several seizures of taxidermy specimens, including life-sized lions, zebra hides, gorilla parts, and pangolin scales, were recorded at various ports and along logistics routes nationwide.
He said that one of such cases involved 119.4 kilograms of pangolin scales, found in a container concealed in sacks around the Calabar area of Cross River states.
“In another development, he said, 120 African grey parrots were rescued and one suspect was arrested at Fufore area of Adamawa State”.
These figures according to him, underscored the scales, sophistication, and profitability of the illegal wildlife trade.
He noted that the Service considered it as an issue of national importance not only from an ecological standpoint, but also because wildlife trafficking is increasingly linked to other forms of organised crime.
“This includes money laundering, arms smuggling and illicit currency flows,” he said.
Maiwada continued that the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, is investing in capacity building, digital surveillance, species identification, and cross-border enforcement framework to combat the menace.
He reassured that the Service is resolute in enforcing the NCS Act 2023 under the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and other national environmental laws.
“We urge the public, especially those in border communities and logistics hubs, to report suspicious movements of wildlife products.
“The fight against wildlife crime requires sustained collaboration, vigilance, and an unyielding commitment to justice,” he stressed
Maiwada added that after proper documentation and compilation, the seized items would be handed over to the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in line with the commitment to inter-agency collaboration and statutory mandates.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Samaila Mani, Head, Special Wild life office
Also speaking , Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Head, Customs Special Wildlife office, said that his team from December 2024 to June 2025 rescued over 229 animals, intercepted over 6000kg of Pangolin scales, 37 taxidermy specimen and 10,603 donkey genitals.
He revealed that ten suspects were apprehended with one successfully convicted
According to him, nine cases are ongoing in court.
The feat demonstrated the Service commitment to protecting endangered species, preserving the country’s biodiversity and upholding Nigeria’s obligation under the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
