The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted dozens of endangered and protected animals being allegedly trafficked along the Kano-Daura Road and arrested three men suspected of involvement in the illegal wildlife trade.
The seizure, which included chimpanzees, baby gorillas, caracals, monkeys, an albino alligator and other protected species, was made during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on August 25, 2026, after customs officials received credible intelligence concerning the movement of endangered wildlife along the Kano-Daura axis.
Speaking during the formal handover of the intercepted animals, the Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Zanna, said the patrol team intercepted the consignment at about 8:30pm.
Zanna, who represented the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, said three suspects were arrested during the operation.
“The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30pm on August 25, 2026. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road,” Zanna said.
He described the seizure as a major disruption to an alleged wildlife trafficking network, saying the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and patrol activities in tackling illegal trade.
The customs official further disclosed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the officers several times after they were intercepted.
According to him, the officers rejected the alleged bribes and maintained their professional conduct throughout the operation.
“Commendably, our patrol officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes. This gallant effort has disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,” Zanna said.
The intercepted consignment comprised a wide range of wildlife species, including four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees and two baby gorillas.
The consignment also contained seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger and two albino alligators.
Other animals recovered included six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard wild birds.
The variety and number of animals recovered indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in the transportation of multiple protected species rather than the movement of a single animal.
The animals were subsequently handed over to a representative of the Special Wildlife Office of the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters for further investigation.
The three suspects were also handed over to the appropriate authorities as investigations continue into the alleged wildlife trafficking operation.
Zanna said the Customs Service would continue to strengthen its enforcement activities to prevent Nigeria’s borders and major transportation routes from being exploited by criminal networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
“This seizure demonstrates our resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and ensure that criminal networks cannot use our borders to traffic endangered species,” he said.
He stressed that protecting endangered species required sustained cooperation between customs officials, wildlife authorities, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Zanna also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for supporting enforcement operations aimed at tackling wildlife trafficking and other forms of illicit trade.
He praised the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance, courage and resistance to alleged attempts to compromise the exercise.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command said the operation was carried out in accordance with Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly known as CITES.
The legal framework provides the basis for enforcement against prohibited or restricted activities involving protected wildlife species and their products.
The command warned individuals and organised groups engaged in wildlife trafficking to abandon the practice, stressing that customs officers would continue to monitor routes suspected of being used for the movement of prohibited items.
It also assured that the Service would collaborate with relevant government agencies and conservation stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and ensure that endangered species were not illegally removed from their natural habitats or transported through the country.
Wildlife trafficking remains a major conservation challenge because the illegal capture and movement of protected animals can contribute to declining populations and threaten ecosystems.
The trade can also involve organised networks operating across national borders, making intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement important in preventing the movement of trafficked species.
The interception along the Kano-Daura Road is particularly significant because the route connects communities and commercial centres in Kano and Katsina states and serves as an important transportation corridor in Northern Nigeria.
The recovery of the animals also highlights the role of routine patrols and intelligence-led operations in identifying illicit consignments that may otherwise pass through major transport routes undetected.
The alleged attempts to bribe the officers, if established by investigation, could further point to the methods used by criminal operators to evade enforcement and move prohibited consignments.
The authorities are expected to establish the source of the animals, their intended destination and the wider network allegedly connected to the trafficking operation.
Investigators may also seek to determine whether the suspects were acting independently or as part of a larger syndicate involved in the illegal movement of endangered species.
West Trybe reports that the interception adds to efforts by Nigerian authorities to strengthen enforcement against wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species, while the recovery of chimpanzees, gorillas, caracals, monkeys and other protected animals underscores the need for sustained intelligence-led operations, effective prosecution and stronger cooperation among customs, wildlife conservation and security agencies.
