In a major wildlife trafficking bust, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a 40-foot container packed with donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway. The shocking discovery was made during a coordinated surveillance operation on June 5, 2025, around 9 p.m., according to a press briefing held Thursday by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.
Represented by Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, the CG described the interception as part of Nigeria’s intensified crackdown on illegal wildlife trade. The seizure underscores growing concern over the involvement of transnational criminal networks in exploiting endangered species for profit.
“This is not an isolated incident,” said Maiwada at the NCS Government Warehouse in Karu, where the container was officially handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). “Our surveillance and intelligence have revealed a persistent pattern of illegal wildlife smuggling along strategic routes.”
He revealed that over the past year, the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) has carried out several operations, including the interception of African Grey Parrots, pangolins, baboons, eagles, and even taxidermy specimens like lion and zebra hides. One recent seizure included 119.4kg of pangolin scales concealed in Calabar.
In addition, the Service has arrested suspects across Lagos, Kano, Adamawa, and Cross River States — many believed to be linked to wider criminal networks also involved in money laundering and arms smuggling.
Maiwada emphasized that the fight against wildlife trafficking is not just an environmental concern, but a national security priority. He said Customs is strengthening its surveillance, digital forensics, and inter-agency collaboration to meet obligations under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and international conventions like CITES.
He added, “Our goal is to dismantle the entire value chain of these illegal networks. This includes local poachers, logistics handlers, and international buyers.”
The Customs boss also called on citizens, especially those in border communities and ports, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
With increasing pressure from global watchdogs, Nigeria is intensifying efforts to curtail the smuggling of endangered species — a multi-billion-naira criminal industry with deep international ties.
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