CUSTOMS SEIZES TRAFFICKED WILDLIFE, ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS IN KANO
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of suspected illegally traded wildlife and arrested three men along the Kano-Daura Road.
The seizure was made on August 25, 2026, during an intelligence-driven operation targeting the trafficking of endangered wildlife along the route.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.
At the formal handover of the seized animals, the 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.
Zanna said the patrol team intercepted the consignment at about 8:30pm and apprehended the three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road.
He added that the suspects allegedly attempted several times to bribe the officers but were unsuccessful, commending the patrol team for maintaining professionalism and integrity.
According to the statement, examination of the consignment uncovered 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 seized animals and suspects were subsequently handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
Zanna commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for their support in protecting the nation’s borders and tackling wildlife trafficking.
He also praised the officers involved for their vigilance, courage and integrity, noting that the seizure had disrupted a supply chain involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.
The command said the operation was carried out in line 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.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command warned individuals and criminal networks engaged in wildlife trafficking to desist from the practice, stressing that it would continue working with relevant agencies to protect endangered species and preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity.
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