The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container filled with donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, preventing what authorities believe was an attempted illegal export of the prohibited wildlife parts.

The interception occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2025, during a joint operation involving the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), following actionable intelligence.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed the details during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. He described the seizure as part of intensified efforts to dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks operating within and across Nigeria’s borders.

"This seizure underscores the growing involvement of transnational criminal networks in exploiting endangered species for illicit gain," Maiwada stated at the NCS Government Warehouse in Karu, where the confiscated consignment was formally handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

He added, “Following due process and documentation, the items are being officially transferred to NESREA today, Thursday, July 10, 2025, as part of our inter-agency collaboration and commitment to environmental protection.”

Maiwada highlighted the critical role of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, which was established to combat the illegal trade of endangered species and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

He emphasized that this latest operation is not an isolated case. Over the past year, the NCS has uncovered and disrupted multiple wildlife trafficking attempts, including:

The recovery of six African Grey Parrots and arrest of a suspect in Kano (December 10, 2024)

Interception of two live pangolins, five Mona monkeys, two Tantalus monkeys, one baby baboon, and another Grey Parrot at Lagos Airport (May 2025)

Seizures of 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, and 128 hornbill heads linked to a suspect arrested in Cross River State

Rescue of tortoises handed over to the National Park Service in Oyo State (January 13, 2025)

Discovery of 119.4kg of pangolin scales hidden in a container near Calabar, Cross River State

Rescue of 120 African Grey Parrots and arrest of one suspect in Fufore, Adamawa State

“These incidents highlight the scale, sophistication, and profitability of wildlife trafficking,” Maiwada said, noting that such crimes are increasingly connected to broader syndicates involved in money laundering, arms smuggling, and illegal financial flows.

He further assured that the NCS, under CG Adeniyi’s leadership, is investing in digital surveillance, species identification, and cross-border enforcement strategies to combat wildlife crime.

“Our digital forensics capabilities, including phone analysis of suspects, have significantly strengthened our investigations. Several prosecutions are already in progress,” he said.

Maiwada called on members of the public, especially those in border regions and transport hubs, to report any suspicious activities involving wildlife products.

“The fight against wildlife crime demands vigilance, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” he concluded, commending the dedication of the SWO, CIU, Customs Police, and strategic partners.

The NCS pledged to continue providing updates on future seizures and legal proceedings as part of its broader enforcement efforts.