Customs intercept donkey genitals in wildlife smuggling bust  

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container loaded with donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, foiling an attempt to illegally export the wildlife parts in violation of environmental and international laws.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the seizure as a major victory in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking.

The container, intercepted on June 5, 2025, at about 9 p.m., was stopped during a surveillance operation by officers from the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) and Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), following credible intelligence.

“This seizure is a reflection of the growing operations of transnational criminal networks who exploit endangered species for illicit profit,” Maiwada said during the formal handover of the confiscated items to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) at the NCS Government Warehouse in Karu, Abuja.

The Customs spokesman stressed that the operation was part of intensified surveillance and enforcement measures, with the Special Wildlife Office playing a central role in combating wildlife crime and upholding Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

He noted that the donkey genitals seizure is only one of many recorded over the past year. Notable among others were the recovery of six African Grey Parrots and the arrest of a suspect in Kano in December 2024.

Interception of live pangolins, Mona and Tantalus monkeys, a baby baboon, and another African Grey Parrot at Lagos Airport in May 2025.

A bust in Cross River involving 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, 128 hornbill heads, and other exotic species, rescuing of tortoises in Oyo State and several taxidermy-related seizures including lion and gorilla parts, zebra hides, and pangolin scales.

In one of the largest cases, 119.4kg of pangolin scales were discovered concealed in a container near Calabar, while 120 African Grey Parrots were rescued in Adamawa, with one suspect arrested.

“These cases show the scale and complexity of wildlife trafficking and its links to broader criminal networks, including arms smuggling, money laundering, and illicit currency flows,” Maiwada said.

He added that the NCS, under CG Adeniyi’s leadership, is investing heavily in modern tools such as digital forensics, surveillance technology, and inter-agency coordination to dismantle these syndicates.

He confirmed that several prosecutions are currently in progress.

Maiwada urged the public, especially those in border and logistics areas, to report suspicious activities related to wildlife trade.

“The fight against wildlife crime demands vigilance, collaboration, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

“We commend our officers and partners for their dedication and assure Nigerians and the international community of our continued resolve to uphold environmental laws and dismantle smuggling networks,” he said.