In a commendable operation, the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, intercepted a haul of live endangered species, including African Grey Parrots, Green Parrots, and a hawk, valued at N6,859,832. This significant seizure was revealed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, during his inaugural press briefing on September 25, 2023.
According to Comptroller Bomodi, this successful operation unfolded in the early hours of Monday, September 25, 2023, thanks to actionable intelligence. The interception took place at the Gbaji checkpoint en route to Benin Republic. The illicit cargo was being transported within a luxurious bus on a journey that began in Kaduna with the ultimate aim of exporting the wildlife for profit.
Comptroller Bomodi stressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “These animals were intercepted by our officers at about 4 am today. We received intelligence that they were being transported from Kaduna to Lagos, with the intent to smuggle them out of the country for sale. This constitutes an illicit trade in endangered species, and these creatures hold considerable value abroad, motivating individuals to undertake considerable risks in smuggling them.”
Emphasizing the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to combat illicit trade within the country, Comptroller Bomodi announced the apprehension of two suspects in connection with the seizure. He noted, “As a signatory to the convention on illicit trade in endangered species, it is our responsibility to ensure that such illicit trade activities are halted. We have two suspects in custody, and the necessary procedures for processing seizures of this nature, including the treatment of the defendants, have been put in place.”
Comptroller Bomodi handed over the seized wildlife to the Controller of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), Sanusi Magashi. The NAQS is entrusted with temporarily safeguarding and nurturing the rescued animals before releasing them into a national park.
Upon receiving the confiscated creatures, Comptroller Magaji expressed his gratitude for the successful collaboration between the Seme Area Command and NAQS, lauding it as a commendable accomplishment in the battle against wildlife trafficking.
