Three suspected wildlife traffickers have been arrested after officers of the Nigeria Customs Service rejected an alleged ₦3 million bribe and intercepted a consignment containing 48 endangered animals and birds along the Daura-Kano road in Kano State.
The interception was carried out at about 8:30pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by patrol officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command following credible intelligence on the movement of the wildlife.
The suspects allegedly attempted on several occasions to induce the Customs officers with ₦3 million to allow the consignment pass through, but the officers reportedly rejected the offer and proceeded with the interception.
Speaking during the formal handover of the recovered animals, the Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Muhammad Zanna, said the conduct of the officers demonstrated the level of integrity expected from personnel of the Service.
Zanna, who represented the Acting Customs Area Controller, Usman Adamu, said the operation resulted in the arrest of the three suspects and the recovery of the endangered species.
The recovered wildlife comprised four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard wild birds.
Zanna said the interception had disrupted a suspected wildlife trafficking supply chain and would contribute to efforts to reduce the illegal movement of endangered species.
“This gallant effort has therefore disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,” he said.
He added that the three suspects and the recovered animals had been handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office at the Customs headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Customs official commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for supporting efforts to strengthen border security and combat the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife.
He also praised the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism, particularly their refusal to compromise the operation despite the alleged bribe offer.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command said the interception was conducted in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with relevant agencies and stakeholders to tackle wildlife trafficking and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
