The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a “major breakthrough” in its battle against wildlife trafficking in Maiduguri, Borno State.
On Monday, the NCS announced, its Borno/Yobe Area Command intercepted endangered wildlife species and smuggled goods in different operations along major routes in the Borno State Capital.
It said, the interception strengthens its “efforts to curb illicit trade”, as well as, “protect Nigeria’s biodiversity”.
A Statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Ubali, on 9 April, 2026, says, “the seizures were made on Thursday, April 9, 2026, along Kano Road in Maiduguri”.
The Statement revealed that, “operatives intercepted two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds concealed in a Mercedes-Benz wagon with registration number ABJ 517 AR.
“The wildlife species, it noted, are listed under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which affords them the highest level of protection against illegal trade.”
In his explanation, Ubali said the interception highlights the Command’s commitment to fighting wildlife trafficking. The protection of endangered species remains the “core statutory responsibility” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The statement also revealed, the “seized animals have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at ₦10 million.”
In his reaction to the development, Comptroller Abdullahi Idris, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, warned that, the NCS would not allow wildlife trafficking within its area of duty.
“We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our territory. We are working tirelessly with relevant partners and sister agencies to protect Nigeria’s wildlife heritage and bring perpetrators to justice”, Idris warned, according to the statement.
Also, in a related operation, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle was intercepted along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State.
The vehicle was discovered to be loaded with “65 cartons of foreign juice branded “Djino Cocktail de Fruits,” concealed with two 50kg bags of Arabic gum and sugar.
“The smuggled items were valued at ₦2.73 million, bringing the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all seizures to ₦12.73 million”, the NCS revealed.
Photo: Endangered wildlife species, smuggled goods intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) | NIGERIA CUSTOMS | X
