By Zainab Bakare
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted 48 endangered wildlife species in a single day.
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 Adamu, the animals were intercepted on August 25, 2026.
Primates, Wild Cats and Birds
The seizure included 15 primates, among them chimpanzees, gorillas and bush babies.
Customs also intercepted wild cats, including civets and caracals, as well as 25 wild birds, including greater bustards and rock fowls.
Two albino crocodiles and a honey badger were also among the animals recovered.
Three suspects arrested in connection with the interception have been handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS Headquarters for further investigation and action.
‘Largest Wildlife Seizure’
Adamu described the interception as possibly the largest and most diverse single wildlife seizure recorded in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and potentially in the West African sub-region.
He said the seizure highlighted the scale of wildlife trafficking and the Customs Service’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
The Acting Controller said the command was enforcing relevant Customs laws, including provisions of Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and Nigeria’s obligations under international conventions.
