The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has foiled an alleged wildlife trafficking operation, rescued 48 endangered animals and birds, and arrested three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road.
The operation, carried out through intelligence-led surveillance, also saw Customs officers reject an alleged N3 million bribe offered by the suspects in an attempt to secure the release of the wildlife consignment.
Speaking during the formal handover of the recovered animals, the Acting Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, said the operation demonstrated the professionalism and integrity of the officers involved.
Zanna, who represented the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, said the suspects were intercepted at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following credible intelligence.
He said the suspects allegedly made several attempts to bribe the patrol officers with N3 million to allow the consignment to pass.
“The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at exactly 2030hrs on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, when the officers intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura/Kano Road.
“The operatives demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the operation as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribe, but insisted that the Service’s mandate to fight wildlife trafficking must not be compromised,” Zanna said.
The recovered animals include four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red-coloured patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard birds.
According to Customs, the interception has disrupted a suspected wildlife trafficking supply chain and could help curb the illegal movement of endangered species.
Zanna said the three suspects and the rescued animals had been handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service’s management team for supporting efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders and combat the illegal trade in endangered wildlife.
The Customs official also praised the patrol officers for rejecting the alleged N3 million bribe and remaining committed to their duty.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command said the operation was conducted in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to tackle wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species and preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity.
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