Kano/Jigawa Customs Seizes Trafficked Wildlife, Arrests Three Suspects Along Daura-Kano Road

By Tahir Balarabe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of illegally traded wildlife and arrested three male suspects during an intelligence-led operation along the Daura-Kano Road.

The interception took place at about 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, in line with the provisions of Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Speaking during the formal handover of the intercepted wildlife, the Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Muhammad Zanna, who represented the Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command.

According to him, Customs patrol officers intercepted the consignment and apprehended three suspects after acting on the intelligence.

“The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30 p.m. on 25 August 2026. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road.

“Commendably, our patrol officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the operation, as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes.

This gallant effort has disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,” Zanna said.

Following a physical examination, the intercepted animals and birds were identified as four caracals, 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 bustards.

The total consignment comprised 50 animals and birds, many of which are endangered or protected species.

The wildlife, alongside the three suspects, was subsequently handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Zanna commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management team for their continued support towards strengthening border security and combating the illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife.

He also praised the officers involved in the operation for their courage, vigilance and integrity, particularly for resisting attempts to compromise the operation through bribery.

The Kano/Jigawa Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity.

The Command warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the illegal trade that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to disrupt wildlife trafficking and ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.