Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service have foiled a wildlife trafficking attempt in Kano, rescuing dozens of endangered animals and arresting 3 men.
The interception on the Daura–Kano Road yielded 48 animals including gorillas, chimpanzees, caracals, monkeys, and rare birds.
According to AC Muhammad Zanna, the traffickers offered bribes to secure their release. Customs officers rejected the offer and carried out the arrest.
Zanna said the operation was in line with the NCS Act 2023 and reflects the Service’s commitment to fighting wildlife crime.
Zana, who was represented at the ceremony by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, said the operation was further supported by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“Our patrol team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura–Kano Road. The officers displayed a high level of professionalism as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer bribes, which were firmly rejected,” Zanna said.
He noted that the seizure dealt a significant blow to an illegal wildlife trafficking supply chain, adding that the operation would contribute to reducing the smuggling of protected species across Nigeria’s borders.
Customs authorities said the animals and the three suspects have been handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for their continued support, reaffirming the Kano/Jigawa Area Command’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity.