Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Endangered Wildlife in Major Maiduguri Operation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe Area Command, has achieved a significant victory in its ongoing battle against smuggling and wildlife trafficking. In a decisive operation conducted along Kano Road in Maiduguri, customs operatives successfully intercepted a cache of endangered species and illicit goods, marking a critical step in protecting Nigeria's biodiversity.
Seizure of Protected Species Under CITES
According to an official statement released on April 9, 2026, by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Ubali, the Public Relations Officer for the Command, the seizure included two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds. These animals were discovered concealed within a Mercedes-Benz wagon bearing the registration number ABJ 517 AR. All seized species are listed under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), granting them the highest level of international protection against illegal trade.
Ubali emphasized that this interception underscores the Command's unwavering commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and safeguarding endangered species from extinction. "It is part of our mandate to ensure that wildlife species are protected and not driven toward extinction," the statement affirmed. The estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized animals stands at ₦10 million, highlighting the substantial economic impact of such illicit activities.
Customs Leadership Vows Continued Crackdown
In response to this development, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Abdullahi Idris reiterated the Command's determination to eradicate wildlife trafficking within its jurisdiction. "We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our territory. We are working closely with relevant partners and sister agencies to protect Nigeria's wildlife heritage and ensure that offenders are brought to justice," he declared. This firm stance reflects the broader efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to uphold environmental laws and preserve the nation's natural resources.
Additional Interception in Yobe State
In a related operation, the Command intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State. This vehicle was found to be transporting 65 cartons of foreign juice branded "Djino Cocktail de Fruits," which were cleverly concealed with two 50kg bags of Arabic gum and sugar. The seized items in this instance were valued at ₦2.73 million, bringing the total DPV of all interceptions by the Command to an impressive ₦12.73 million.
Call for Public Cooperation
The Nigeria Customs Service has called upon members of the public to remain law-abiding and actively support enforcement efforts. By providing credible intelligence, citizens can play a crucial role in combating wildlife trafficking and other forms of smuggling that threaten national security and environmental sustainability. This collaborative approach is essential for effectively disrupting illegal networks and protecting endangered species across Nigeria.
