By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command,has intercepted a consignment of illegally traded wildlife and arrested three male suspects along the Kano/Daura Road.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer,Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, said the interception followed an intelligence-led operation.
Balarabe said the interception, which occurred on 25 August 2026, was carried out in accordance with Section 55(1)(i) of the NCS 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 spoke on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, disclosed that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence.
“The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30 PM on 25 August, 2026. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura/Kano Road.
“Commendably, our patrol Officers demonstrated high level of professionalism during the operation as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribe. This gallant efforts has therefore disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,” AC Zanna said.
He further stated that following a physical examination, the intercepted wildlife were identified as follows: 4 Caracal wild cats, 4 Chimpanzees, 2 Baby Gorillas, 7 Red-colored Patas Monkeys, 2 Galagos (bush babies), 1 Honey badger, 2 Albino alligators, 6 Rock fowls, 1 Civet cat and 19 Greater bustard wild birds.
The wild animals and suspects were subsequently handed over to the representative of the Special Wildlife Office of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
AC Zanna expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management Team for their continued support aimed at protecting Nigeria’s borders and preventing the illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife while commending the officers for their courage, vigilance and integrity in carrying out the operation.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command reiterated its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species, warning individuals and criminal networks involved in the illegal activity that the Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders “to disrupt this act that negatively affects our biodiversity.”