By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container filled with 10,603 male donkey genitals, suspected to be destined for illegal export.
The seizure occurred on June 5 at about 9 p.m. along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, following credible intelligence, according to a press briefing held in Abuja.
Speaking at the briefing on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the interception was led by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) in coordination with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).
The confiscated items were transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) after proper documentation.
The action underscores ongoing efforts by the NCS to combat illegal wildlife trade and enforce environmental regulations.
Maiwada highlighted that the interception is one of many recent actions aimed at dismantling wildlife trafficking networks.
Over the past year, the Special Wildlife Office has conducted several operations resulting in notable seizures.
These include the arrest of a suspect with six African Grey Parrots in Kano in December 2024, the interception of two live pangolins and various monkeys at Lagos Airport in May 2025, and the discovery of hundreds of parrot, eagle, and hornbill heads in Cross River State.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation and intensifying the crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade across Nigeria.
