The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Borno/Yobe Area Command, has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on wildlife trafficking and smuggling, intercepting endangered animal species and contraband goods valued at N12.73 million in separate operations in Maiduguri and parts of Yobe State.
In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Ubali, disclosed that the seizures were made along Kano Road in Maiduguri during a targeted enforcement operation.
According to the statement, Customs operatives intercepted a Mercedes-Benz wagon, registration number ABJ 517 AR, conveying endangered wildlife species, including two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds.
The animals were reportedly concealed in the vehicle in violation of international and national wildlife protection laws.
Ubali noted that the intercepted species are listed under Appendices I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, which accords them the highest level of protection against illegal trade.
He emphasised that the operation reflects the Service’s unwavering commitment to preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity and enforcing laws against illicit wildlife trade.
“It is one of the mandates of the NCS to ensure that wildlife species are protected, and their survival is not threatened,” the statement read.
The seized animals were assigned a Duty Paid Value, DPV, of approximately N10 million.
While reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Idris, reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife trafficking, warning that offenders would be brought to justice.
“We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our territory. We are working tirelessly with relevant partners and sister agencies to protect Nigeria’s wildlife heritage and bring perpetrators to justice,” he said.
In a related development, the Command also intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State.
The vehicle was found to be transporting 65 cartons of smuggled foreign juice branded “Djino Cocktail de Fruits,” concealed beneath two 50kg bags of Arabic gum and sugar.
The contraband items were valued at N2.73 million, bringing the cumulative DPV of all seizures to N12.73 million.
The NCS urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and support its enforcement efforts by providing credible intelligence to curb wildlife trafficking and other forms of smuggling.
