The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has uncovered a major wildlife trafficking operation, intercepting a large consignment of endangered animals and arresting three suspected traffickers along the Kano-Daura Road.
The seizure, described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, followed an intelligence-driven operation carried out by Customs operatives on August 25.
In a statement issued on Friday in Kano, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Tahir Balarabe, said the operation was conducted in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and international regulations governing the protection of endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, DCC Usman Adamu, the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, AC Muhammad Zanna, said officers acted on credible intelligence that led them to the suspects and the illegal cargo.
According to him, the patrol team intercepted the shipment at about 8:30 p.m. on the Kano-Daura highway, where three suspects were apprehended while allegedly transporting the protected animals.
Customs authorities disclosed that a detailed inspection of the consignment revealed an alarming collection of endangered and protected wildlife species. Among the animals recovered were four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees and two baby gorillas.
Other animals found in the shipment included seven red-coloured Patas monkeys, two galagos, commonly known as bush babies, a honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, a civet cat and 19 greater bustard birds.
Officials described the interception as a major disruption to a suspected wildlife trafficking network operating across the region.
Zanna praised the officers involved in the operation, noting that they remained professional and resisted several attempts by the suspects to compromise the operation through bribery.
He said the successful seizure would help weaken illegal wildlife trafficking activities and contribute to ongoing efforts to protect endangered species from exploitation and extinction.
“The dedication and integrity displayed by our officers ensured the success of this operation. Their actions have disrupted a significant supply chain involved in the illegal trade of endangered wildlife,” he said.
The seized animals and the arrested suspects have since been transferred to the Special Wildlife Unit at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Customs Area Command also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the service for providing the support and resources needed to strengthen border security and combat environmental crimes.
The latest interception underscores growing concerns over the illegal trade in wildlife, which conservation experts say continues to threaten vulnerable species across Africa despite intensified enforcement efforts by security agencies.
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