The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking. Customs operatives intercepted endangered animal species and smuggled goods in separate operations in Maiduguri.
According to a statement issued X the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Ubali, said officers carried out the operation along Kano Road.
During the operation, Customs officers stopped a Mercedes-Benz wagon transporting wildlife. They discovered two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds hidden inside the vehicle.
The suspects reportedly concealed the animals to evade detection.
The seized animals are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This law places them under Appendix I and II, giving them the highest level of protection against illegal trade.
Ubali stressed that the interception shows the Service’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and enforcing environmental laws.
Reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller, Abdullahi Idris, reaffirmed the agency’s stance against wildlife trafficking.
“We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our territory. We are working with relevant agencies to protect Nigeria’s wildlife and bring offenders to justice,” he said.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized wildlife stands at ₦10 million.
Meanwhile, in a related operation, Customs operatives intercepted a Volkswagen Golf along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State.
They found 65 cartons of foreign juice concealed with two 50kg bags of Arabic gum and sugar.
The smuggled goods are valued at ₦2.73 million.
Altogether, the total Duty Paid Value of all seized items amounts to ₦12.73 million.
Finally, the Command urged the public to remain law-abiding. It also called on citizens to provide credible intelligence to help combat wildlife trafficking and smuggling.
