The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 48 endangered animals and birds and arrested three suspected wildlife traffickers along the Kano-Daura Road in Kano State.
The seizure was made following an intelligence-led operation by officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation was conducted in accordance 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 seized wildlife, the Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, said the patrol team intercepted the consignment at about 8:30 p.m. following credible intelligence.
Zanna, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, said the suspects allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers but were unsuccessful.
He described the interception as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species in Nigeria.
The seized wildlife comprised four caracals, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard birds.
The three suspects and the confiscated animals were subsequently handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office at NCS Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Zanna commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service’s management for their support in securing Nigeria’s borders and combating the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife.
He also praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, vigilance and integrity, particularly for resisting attempts to compromise the operation.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command said it would sustain collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders to combat wildlife trafficking and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
The Command warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade that the Service would continue to intensify operations to disrupt their activities.
