The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has broken up an alleged wildlife smuggling ring operating along the Daura-Kano corridor. The operation led to the rescue of 48 protected animals and birds and the arrest of three suspects.
Officers carried out the interception late on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, following actionable intelligence. During the stop, the suspects reportedly attempted to bribe the patrol team with N3 million to let the shipment pass. The officers declined and proceeded with the seizure in line with Customs’ anti-trafficking mandate.
Presenting the recovered wildlife, Assistant Comptroller Muhammad Zanna, who represented the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, praised the team’s professionalism. “At 8:30pm on Tuesday, our patrol intercepted the consignment and apprehended three suspects. Despite repeated attempts to induce them with money, the officers stood firm and upheld the Service’s duty to combat wildlife trafficking,” he said.
The seizure included a range of rare species: four caracal cats, four chimpanzees, two infant gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat, and 19 greater bustards. Zanna noted that dismantling this network will significantly curb the illegal trade in endangered fauna. The three suspects and the animals have since been transferred to the Special Wildlife Office at NCS Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Command said the operation was conducted under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and in line with CITES, the international treaty on endangered species. Zanna also commended the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their support, while lauding the officers for rejecting the bribe and acting with integrity. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and block illicit wildlife trade routes.
Kano/Jigawa Customs Foils Wildlife Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues 48 Endangered Animals
