Nigeria Customs Intercepts Container Laden with Over 10,000 Donkey Genitals
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container loaded with over 10,000 donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Highway, as part of its intensified efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 10, 2025, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, through the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, during a press briefing held at the government warehouse in Karu, Abuja.
Maiwada explained that the seizure was a result of ongoing anti-wildlife trafficking operations coordinated through the Service’s Special Wildlife Office (SWO), which is domiciled within the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).
He stated that the operation was tasked with gathering intelligence, profiling, initiating investigations, and coordinating enforcement activities to dismantle transnational criminal networks involved in the trade of endangered species.
According to the CGC, the interception was made on June 5, 2025, at approximately 2100 hours, following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance efforts by officers of the SWO and CIU.
“This interception confirms the persistence of illegal wildlife trafficking networks exploiting Nigeria’s corridors,” CGC Adeniyi said.
He added that, in line with compliance procedures, the seized wildlife products will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) as part of the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and environmental protection.
Adeniyi further disclosed that the SWO had recorded several significant breakthroughs over the past year. “These include the seizure of six African Grey Parrots in Kano in December 2024, two live pangolins, five Mona monkeys, two Tantalus monkeys, one baby baboon, and an African Grey Parrot at Lagos Airport in May 2025,” he said.
He also revealed that another operation in Ikom, Cross River State, led to the arrest of a suspect in possession of 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, 128 hornbill heads, and other exotic species.
“On 13 January 2025, tortoises were rescued and handed over to the National Park Service in Oyo State. We have also recorded seizures of taxidermy specimens such as life-sized lions, zebra hides, gorilla parts, and pangolin scales,” the CGC added.
He noted that a separate container carrying 119.4kg of pangolin scales was intercepted in Calabar, while in Fufore, Adamawa State, officers rescued 120 African Grey Parrots and arrested a suspect.
“These figures underscore the scale and sophistication of illegal wildlife trade. It is not just an ecological issue, but one tied to organised crimes, including money laundering, arms smuggling, and illicit currency flows,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that the Service is enhancing its capabilities with digital surveillance tools, cross-border enforcement mechanisms, and species identification technologies.
“Our Wildlife Office’s investigations, including digital forensics and phone analysis of suspects, have strengthened our evidence base, with several prosecutions currently underway,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Customs Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Mani, acknowledged the role of strategic partners in the success of the operations.
He listed organisations such as Focused Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wild Power Trust, Green Fingers, and Padrilas, alongside enforcement agencies in neighbouring countries, as instrumental to the Service’s anti-trafficking efforts.
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