Customs intercept trafficked wildlife, arrests three in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a significant consignment of suspected illegally traded wildlife. Three male suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation on the Kano-Daura Road on August 25, 2026.

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

The operation was a direct result of credible intelligence, leading a patrol team to intercept the endangered animals and apprehend the suspects. The suspects reportedly made multiple attempts to bribe the officers, who maintained their professionalism and integrity throughout the encounter. This successful disruption of a trafficking supply chain is expected to significantly reduce the movement of endangered wildlife.

During a physical examination of the intercepted consignment, officials discovered a variety of animals. These included four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat, and 19 greater bustard wild birds. The animals and the three arrested suspects were handed over to the Special Wildlife Office of the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters for further investigation and potential prosecution.

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Commendably, our patrol officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism 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.

Acting Deputy Comptroller Muhammad Zanna, representing the Acting Customs Area Controller, praised the officers' professionalism and integrity. He emphasized the command's resolve to protect Nigeria's biodiversity and prevent criminal networks from using the country's borders for illicit trade in endangered species. The operation was conducted in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and international conventions on wildlife trade.

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This seizure demonstrates our resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and ensure that criminal networks cannot use our borders to traffic endangered species.