The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of a container loaded with 10,603 donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway on Friday, June 5, 2025. The interception highlights the Service’s intensified efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
According to the NCS, the seizure indicates that over 10,000 donkeys were slaughtered within the first six months of 2025 alone. In addition, 220 live endangered animals were rescued, ten suspects were arrested, one conviction was secured, and nine other cases are currently being prosecuted in court.
Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Mani, Head of Special Wildlife at the NCS, stated that the operation aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and fulfilling international obligations under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and other conservation agreements.
“We reflect on the remarkable progress made by the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office under the Customs Intelligence Unit between December 2024 and June 2025,” Mani said.
Major Seizures Reported Include:
• 6,087.9 kg of pangolin scales
• 4.15 kg of processed ivory
• 157 live African Grey Parrots
• 20 Green Parrots
• 4 live Senegal Parrots
• 2 Budgerigars (Budgies)
• 6 live monkeys
• 4 live pangolins
• 3,022 donkey skins
• 37 taxidermy specimens
• 16 zebra skins
• 10,603 male donkey genitals
Mani emphasized that these enforcement actions have significantly disrupted trafficking networks and reduced the availability of illegal wildlife products on the black market.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Abdullahi Maiwada, highlighted the establishment of the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) within the Customs Intelligence Unit to strengthen wildlife protection efforts. The office is tasked with intelligence gathering, profiling, investigations, and enforcement operations targeting transnational wildlife crime syndicates.
“This seizure is not an isolated incident,” Adeniyi noted. “Over the past year, the Special Wildlife Office has uncovered and disrupted multiple illegal wildlife operations nationwide.”
Other Notable Operations:
• In December 2024, six African Grey Parrots were recovered and a suspect arrested in Kano.
• In May 2025, two live pangolins, five Mona monkeys, two Tantalus monkeys, one baby baboon, and an African Grey Parrot were intercepted at Lagos Airport.
• A separate operation in Ikom, Cross River State, led to the arrest of a suspect connected to the seizure of 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, 128 hornbill heads, and other exotic species.
• On January 13, 2025, the Service transferred rescued tortoises to the National Park Service in Oyo State.
• Several taxidermy items—including full-size lion specimens, zebra hides, gorilla parts, and pangolin scales—were seized at various ports and logistics routes.
• One notable case involved 119.4 kg of pangolin scales concealed in sacks in a container intercepted near Calabar, Cross River State.
The NCS reiterated its commitment to curbing the illegal wildlife trade and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage through coordinated national and international efforts.
