The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned individuals and criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking that it will intensify intelligence-led operations and international collaboration to disrupt the illegal trade in endangered species.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, issued the warning on Sunday, August 30, 2026, during a visit to the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, where he commended officers for the interception of 48 endangered animals and birds along the Daura–Kano axis on August 25.
Adeniyi praised the officers for their professionalism, courage and commitment to protecting endangered species, stressing that the NCS was fulfilling Nigeria’s obligations under international conventions designed to combat wildlife trafficking.
He said the illegal wildlife trade was driven by transnational criminal networks that exploit international borders to move endangered species to destinations where they are traded.
According to him, the Customs Service has trained personnel deployed across commands identified as vulnerable to wildlife trafficking and would continue to strengthen its response through specialised training, partnerships with conservation organisations and cooperation with international agencies.
“These conventions were established to ensure collective action in protecting endangered species, and the NCS is living up to this responsibility,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs chief stressed that combating wildlife trafficking goes beyond arresting suspects, noting that rescued animals require specialised care, rehabilitation and scientific assessment to enhance their chances of eventual return to suitable natural habitats.
He said the rescued animals must be kept alive and provided with conditions that support their natural behaviour rather than being confined to unsuitable environments.
Adeniyi also commended Focus Conservation and other conservation experts working with the Service for providing specialised care to the rescued animals.
He disclosed that some of the animals may undergo DNA testing to establish their geographical origin and facilitate appropriate rehabilitation and conservation measures.
Meanwhile, Lindsay Mace, Illegal Wildlife Trade Rescue and Rehabilitation Adviser at Focus Conservation, described the rescued gorillas and chimpanzees as critically endangered species facing severe threats from international trafficking networks.
Mace said the rescued chimpanzees were suspected to be Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees, while the gorillas were believed to be Cross River gorillas, regarded as one of the world’s most endangered gorilla subspecies.
The development highlights the growing role of border enforcement agencies in Nigeria’s efforts to combat transnational wildlife trafficking and protect the country’s threatened biodiversity.
