Customs Seizes Container with 10,603 Donkey Genitals on Kaduna–Abuja Highway

Customs Seizes Container with 10,603 Donkey Genitals on Kaduna–Abuja Highway

By JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

As part of its efforts in the fight against wildlife trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container laden with 10,603 donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a press briefing and handover ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the seizure was made possible through a coordinated operation by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), following credible intelligence.

Represented by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi disclosed that the confiscated items have been handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in line with environmental laws and Nigeria’s commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“This interception highlights the Service’s ongoing effort to dismantle trafficking networks exploiting Nigeria’s borders and corridors for illegal wildlife trade,” Adeniyi said.

He explained that the operation formed part of a broader national campaign aimed at preserving biodiversity and disrupting organised transnational crimes linked to wildlife smuggling.

The NCS also noted other recent wildlife seizures across the country, including African Grey Parrots, pangolins, monkeys, baboons, and various bird species. Additional confiscations included taxidermy specimens, zebra skins, and rare avian parts in Lagos, Cross River, and Adamawa States, adding that several arrests and prosecutions are underway.

Adeniyi further warned that wildlife trafficking is not merely an environmental issue, but also poses a serious security risk due to its connections with money laundering, arms trafficking, and other illegal networks.

“The Service is investing in digital surveillance, forensic analysis, and community engagement to deepen enforcement,” he added.

Providing further details, the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Samaila Mani, outlined the scope of enforcement activities between December 2024 and June 2025.

Recovered items within the period included 6,087.9 kg of pangolin scales, 4.15 kg of worked ivory, 157 live African Grey Parrots, 3,022 donkey skins, 16 zebra skins, 37 taxidermies, and 10,603 male donkey genitals.

Mani confirmed that more than ten suspects have been arrested, with one already convicted and several others currently facing trial.

He credited the success to enhanced intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and the support of key non-governmental organisations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Focused Conservation, and the World Parrot Trust.

The event concluded with commendations to officers of the Customs Police Unit, CIU operatives, and strategic partners, alongside a renewed call for the public to report any suspicious wildlife-related activities.