The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant seizure of 13,599 kilograms of dry donkey skin worth approximately N3.6 billion in Imo State.
The dry donkey skins, packed in sacks containing 9 or 10 pieces each, were discovered in a 40-foot container during a thorough examination by Customs officers. The skins were intended for illegal export, and the seizure highlights the NCS’s efforts to combat the smuggling of prohibited goods.
The NCS has emphasized its commitment to enforcing trade policies and cracking down on the smuggling of banned and endangered products.
Comptroller Abdullahi Balogun praised the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism, stating that this seizure sends a strong message to individuals and smuggling syndicates involved in the illicit wildlife trade.
The donkey skins, classified as dried salted donkey skin, are listed under Nigeria’s Export Prohibition List due to their impact on biodiversity, environmental stability, and the growing concerns around the illegal trade of endangered species.
Each piece weighs an average of 4.5 kilograms, and the global price of dry salted donkey skin stands at $750 per unit and $166.6 per kilogram.The NCS has warned traders and exporters to steer clear of engaging in the illegal trafficking of wildlife products, emphasizing that violators will face the full weight of the law.
The service will continue to strengthen surveillance, gather intelligence, and intensify enforcement operations across all zones to prevent the smuggling of prohibited goods.This seizure is part of the NCS’s ongoing efforts to protect endangered species and enforce trade regulations in Nigeria. The service remains committed to upholding national laws and ensuring that Nigeria is not used as a hub for illegal wildlife trade.
The NCS’s actions demonstrate its dedication to combating smuggling and protecting the environment. With the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the service will continue to prioritize the enforcement of trade policies and the protection of endangered species.
