Customs intercepts consignment of endangered wildlife, arrests 3 in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife and arrested three suspects along the Kano/Daura Road.

The consignment contained chimpanzees, baby gorillas and caracal wild cats.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the command, CSC Tahir Balarabe, the operation followed credible intelligence and was conducted under Section 55(1)(i) of the NCS Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Assistant Comptroller Muhammad Zanna, Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, said the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the officers but their efforts were rebuffed.

“Our patrol team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects. Commendably, our officers resisted multiple attempts at bribery. This gallant effort has disrupted the supply chain and will help reduce trafficking of endangered species,” Zanna stated.

He said a physical examination of the consignment revealed four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard wild birds.

Zanna said the suspects and the intercepted animals had been handed over to the Special Wildlife Office of the NCS Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.

He commended Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their support, while reiterating the command’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking.

“We will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to disrupt this illegal trade that undermines biodiversity,” he added.