The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted 48 endangered and illegally traded wild animals and birds and arrested three male suspects along the Kano-Daura Road.
The major seizure followed an intelligence-led operation conducted at about 8:30pm on August 25, 2026, as Customs officers moved to disrupt an alleged wildlife trafficking network operating along the busy Kano-Daura axis.
Speaking during the 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. He disclosed that the suspects allegedly made several attempts to bribe the patrol officers but were resisted.
The seized wildlife comprised four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard wild birds.
Zanna said the interception had disrupted an important link in the illegal wildlife trade and commended the officers for their professionalism, courage and integrity. He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the NCS Management for supporting efforts to protect Nigeria’s borders and endangered species.
The three suspects and the intercepted wildlife have been handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command warned wildlife traffickers and criminal networks that Customs would intensify operations against the illegal trade, stressing its determination to work with relevant stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and prevent the trafficking of endangered species.