The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe Area Command, has disrupted a suspected wildlife trafficking network in Maiduguri, recovering endangered animal species and smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦12.73 million.
According to a statement released on April 9, 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Ubali, the operation was carried out along Kano Road in Maiduguri following coordinated surveillance efforts.
During the operation, Customs officers intercepted a Mercedes-Benz wagon conveying protected wildlife hidden to evade detection. The seized animals included two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds. Authorities confirmed that the animals are listed under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), indicating they are at high risk of extinction and enjoy strict international protection. The wildlife haul was valued at approximately ₦10 million.
Reacting to the seizure, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Idris, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and preserving Nigeria’s natural heritage. He warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law, stressing that the Service is working closely with other security agencies to curb such crimes.
In a related operation along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State, Customs operatives intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle transporting 65 cartons of smuggled “Djino Cocktail de Fruits” juice. The items were concealed with sacks of Arabic gum and sugar in an attempt to bypass inspection.
The seized contraband goods were valued at ₦2.73 million, bringing the total value of all intercepted items to ₦12.73 million.
The Command urged members of the public to assist in the fight against smuggling and wildlife trafficking by providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that collective efforts are essential to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding endangered species across the country.
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