The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of suspected illegally traded wildlife and arrested three male suspects along the Kano-Daura Road.
The interception was made on August 25, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation targeting the trafficking of endangered wildlife along the route.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.
Speaking during the formal handover of the intercepted animals, Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, who represented the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, said the operation was based on credible intelligence.
“The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30pm on August 25, 2026. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road,” Zanna said.
He said the suspects allegedly made several attempts to bribe the patrol officers but were unsuccessful, commending the officers for maintaining professionalism and integrity during the operation.
“Commendably, our patrol officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes. This gallant effort has disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,” he said.
According to the statement, a physical examination of the consignment found 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 animals and the three suspects were subsequently handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office at NCS headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Zanna expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for their continued support in securing Nigeria’s borders and combating the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife.
He also commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage, vigilance and integrity.
“This seizure demonstrates our resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and ensure that criminal networks cannot use our borders to traffic endangered species,” Zanna said.
The command said 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).
It warned individuals and criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that the Service would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to protect endangered species and safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity.
