The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced a significant interception of illegal wildlife trade, seizing a 40-foot container filled with donkey genitals along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. This operation, conducted on June 5, 2025, underscores the NCS’s intensified efforts to combat the growing problem of wildlife trafficking in Nigeria. The discovery, made possible through coordinated surveillance by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), highlights the involvement of transnational criminal networks exploiting endangered species for illicit profits. The confiscated consignment was officially handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on July 10, 2025, for further investigation and action, emphasizing the NCS’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and adherence to statutory mandates.
This incident is not an isolated event. The NCS has recorded multiple successful operations against wildlife trafficking in the past year, demonstrating the pervasive nature of this illicit trade. These operations have resulted in the recovery of various endangered species, including African Grey Parrots, pangolins, monkeys, baboons, and the interception of significant quantities of wildlife parts, such as parrot heads, eagle heads, hornbill heads, and pangolin scales. The NCS has also rescued tortoises and seized taxidermied specimens like lions, zebras, gorillas, and pangolins across various ports and logistics routes. The scale of these seizures indicates the sophistication and profitability of the illegal wildlife trade, which often involves complex logistics and cross-border operations.
The NCS has linked many of these trafficking operations to wider criminal syndicates involved in other illicit activities like money laundering, arms smuggling, and illegal currency flows. This connection elevates wildlife trafficking from an ecological concern to a national security issue. The NCS recognizes the seriousness of this threat and has implemented various strategies to combat it, including capacity building initiatives for its officers, deploying digital surveillance technologies, enhancing species identification expertise, and strengthening cross-border enforcement frameworks. These measures aim to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade at all levels, from the source to the final destination.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS is committed to strengthening its fight against wildlife crime. The Service is investing in cutting-edge tools, such as digital forensics and phone analysis, to gather evidence against suspects and ensure successful prosecutions. Several cases related to these seizures are currently underway, showcasing the NCS’s resolve to bring perpetrators to justice. This commitment to investigation and prosecution is vital in deterring future wildlife crimes and dismantling the criminal networks behind them.
The NCS’s establishment of the Special Wildlife Office demonstrates its proactive stance in addressing the specific challenges of wildlife trafficking. This dedicated unit focuses on enforcing CITES regulations and national environmental laws, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to international conservation efforts. The SWO’s specialized training and resources allow them to target and disrupt complex trafficking networks effectively. Their successes demonstrate the vital role of specialized units in tackling this intricate form of illegal trade.
The NCS appeals for public support in combating wildlife crime. Citizens, particularly those in border communities and logistics hubs, are urged to report any suspicious activity related to wildlife products. The fight against this illegal trade requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international organizations. Constant vigilance and timely reporting by the public can significantly contribute to disrupting trafficking networks and saving endangered species from exploitation. The NCS assures the public of its continued dedication to enforcing wildlife protection laws and providing updates on future operations and prosecutions. This transparency strengthens public trust and encourages continued cooperation in the fight against wildlife crime.
