By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a truck transporting a large quantity of dried donkey genitals hidden in a 40-foot container along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
The operation, which was carried out last Friday, followed credible intelligence and was executed by officers from the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) in collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).
Addressing newsmen at the official handover at NCS Government Warehouse in Karu Abuja, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada who represented the custom Boss, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
He noted that the Special Wildlife Office has recorded several high-profile seizures in recent months, including the interception of pangolins, parrots, baboons, and other protected animals.
Maiwada added that, the Service is working closely with local and international partners, including NESREA, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and security agencies like the NDLEA, EFCC, Police, and Interpol, to clamp down on wildlife trafficking networks.
Additionally, he reiterated the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to strengthen enforcement through training, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration.
"We urge the public, especially those in border communities and logistics hubs, to report suspicious movements of wildlife products.
"The fight against wildlife crime requires sustained collaboration, vigilance, and an unyielding commitment to justice.
"On behalf of the Comptroller-General and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, I commend the gallant officers of the SWO and CIU as well as Customs Police Unit, and all our strategic partners for their contributions, he added.
The representative of NESREA, Anuhu Samaila Mani, while receiving the seized donkey parts, he commended the Nigeria Customs for its unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
He noted that such seizures are critical to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and upholding its international obligations under CITES.
He reiterated NESREA’s readiness to continue working closely with the Nigeria Customs and other enforcement agencies to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.
