Customs Seize Hyenas, Rare Birds in Anti-Trafficking Operation

Customs Seize Hyenas, Rare Birds in Anti-Trafficking Operation

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe Area Command, has intercepted a cache of endangered wildlife species, including hyenas and rare birds, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal wildlife trade in the North-East.

The seizure was made on April 9 along Kano Road in Maiduguri, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Ubali.

Customs operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a Mercedes-Benz wagon conveying two hyenas, one porcupine and 24 African crowned crane birds, all concealed in the vehicle in a suspected trafficking attempt.

Ubali noted that the animals are protected under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), placing them among species afforded the highest level of global protection.

“The interception underscores the Command’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking. It is part of our statutory responsibility to ensure that endangered species are protected and not driven towards extinction,” he said.

He added that the Duty Paid Value of the seized wildlife is estimated at N10 million.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Idris, said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of wildlife.

“We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our area of responsibility. The Service is working closely with relevant partners and sister agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity and ensure that offenders are brought to justice,” Idris said.

In a separate operation, the Command intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State, loaded with 65 cartons of foreign juice branded “Djino Cocktail de Fruits,” concealed with two 50kg bags of Arabic gum and sugar.

The smuggled goods were valued at N2.73 million, bringing the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all seizures to N12.73 million.

Customs authorities urged members of the public to support enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information, stressing that collaboration remains key to curbing wildlife trafficking and other forms of smuggling.