Customs intercept trafficked wildlife, arrest three in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of illegally trafficked wildlife and arrested three male suspects along the Kano–Daura Road.

The interception took place on 25 August 2026 during an intelligence-led operation aimed at disrupting the trafficking of endangered species.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, representing the Acting Customs Area Controller, confirmed that the suspects attempted to bribe officers but were unsuccessful. He commended the patrol team for their professionalism and integrity.

A physical examination of the consignment revealed: four caracal wild cats; four chimpanzees; two baby gorillas; seven red patas monkeys; two galagos; one honey badger; two albino alligators; six rock fowls; one civet cat, and nineteen greater bustard wild birds.

The animals and suspects were handed over to the Special Wildlife Office of the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.

Zanna expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support in combating wildlife trafficking. He emphasised that the seizure demonstrates the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and preventing criminal networks from exploiting its borders.

The operation was conducted under Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The command warned individuals and criminal networks to desist from wildlife trafficking, reaffirming its resolve to collaborate with stakeholders to safeguard endangered species.