The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife and arrestedthree male suspects along the Kano-Daura Road.
The interception was made on August 25, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the command’s patrol team.
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The operation was carried out in line with Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Speaking during the formal handover of the intercepted animals, the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, who represented the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, said the operation followed credible intelligence.
Zanna said the patrol team intercepted the consignment at about 8:30 p.m. along the Daura-Kano Road and apprehended the three suspects.
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He said the suspects allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers during the operation, but the officers remained professional and resisted the attempts.
According to him, the successful operation had disrupted a major link in the illegal wildlife trafficking chain and would contribute to efforts to reduce the trafficking of endangered species.
A physical examination of the consignment revealed a total of 48 animals and birds comprising four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard birds.
The intercepted wildlife and the three suspects were subsequently handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
Zanna commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their continued support towards protecting Nigeria’s borders and combating the illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife.
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He also praised the officers involved in the operation for their courage, vigilance and integrity.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species, warning individuals and criminal networks involved in the illicit trade that the Service would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to disrupt activities threatening Nigeria’s biodiversity.
