The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe Area Command, has recorded a significant breakthrough in its crackdown on wildlife trafficking and smuggling, intercepting endangered animal species and contraband goods in coordinated operations across Maiduguri.
In a statement issued on April 9, 2026, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Ubali, confirmed that the seizures were made along Kano Road in Maiduguri.
Customs operatives intercepted a Mercedes-Benz wagon loaded with protected wildlife, including two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds. The animals were reportedly concealed in the vehicle in an attempt to evade detection.
Authorities revealed that these species fall under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which grants them the highest level of international protection due to the threat of extinction.
The seized wildlife has an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦10 million.
Reacting to the development, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Idris, issued a stern warning to traffickers, emphasizing that the Service remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity.
> “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,” he stated.
In a separate operation along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State, officers intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle transporting 65 cartons of smuggled “Djino Cocktail de Fruits” juice. The items were concealed with bags of Arabic gum and sugar in a bid to avoid scrutiny.
The contraband goods were valued at ₦2.73 million, bringing the total DPV of all seizures to ₦12.73 million.
The Command has called on the public to support enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence, reiterating that collaboration remains key to dismantling smuggling networks and protecting endangered wildlife across Nigeria.
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