The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted 48 endangered animals in a single operation, described by the command as one of the largest and most diverse wildlife seizures in its history.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Controller of Customs Usman Adamu, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano.
According to him, the animals were intercepted on August 25, 2026, during an operation targeting illicit wildlife trafficking within the command’s area of jurisdiction.
The seizure included 15 primates, among them chimpanzees, gorillas and bush babies, as well as wild cats such as civets and caracals.
Customs officers also recovered 25 wild birds, including greater bustards and rock fowls. Two albino crocodiles and a honey badger were among the other animals intercepted.
Three suspects linked to the attempted movement of the wildlife were arrested and subsequently handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS headquarters for further investigation and appropriate action.
Adamu described the interception as a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, noting that the diversity and number of animals recovered in one operation were unprecedented for the service.
“It is important to note that this is believed to be the largest and most diverse single seizure of wildlife ever recorded in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and probably the West African sub-region,” he said.
He said the seizure demonstrated the scale of the trafficking attempt and reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
Adamu added that the operation was in line with Nigeria’s obligations under relevant international wildlife protection conventions and Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The acting controller said the wildlife interception formed part of a broader enforcement drive by the command, which has recorded seizures and detentions with a combined Duty Paid Value of more than N2 billion since July 2026.
He said the command had also continued to record strong revenue performance, with N88.92 billion generated so far in the year.
Adamu recalled that the command generated N63.07 billion during its half-year revenue period, adding that collections since July had increased by about N25 billion.
He disclosed that July recorded the highest monthly revenue collection in the command’s history, with more than N14 billion generated during the month.
The Customs chief said officers would continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement to prevent violations of Customs laws.
“Our officers will continue to remain vigilant in identifying and preventing activities that fall outside these laws,” he said.
