Customs Intercepts Container of Donkey Genitals on Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container filled with donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, suspected to be destined for illegal export. The operation, which took place at around 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2025, was carried out by operatives of the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) following a coordinated surveillance mission.
This was revealed during a press briefing on Thursday by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.
Maiwada described the seizure as a significant step in the Service’s intensified efforts to curb the illegal wildlife trade and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under international conventions like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“The interception of this container loaded with donkey genitals confirms the increasing role of transnational criminal networks in the exploitation of endangered species for illicit profit,” Maiwada stated at the NCS Government Warehouse in Karu, Abuja, where the seized items were formally handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.
He stressed that this seizure is not an isolated incident, noting that the Special Wildlife Office has been active across the country in disrupting wildlife trafficking operations over the past year.
Among the recent successes, Maiwada highlighted the December 10, 2024, rescue of six African Grey Parrots and the arrest of a suspect in Kano; the interception of live pangolins, monkeys, and parrots at Lagos Airport in May 2025; and the arrest of a suspect in Cross River linked to the seizure of parrot, eagle, and hornbill heads. He also cited other notable seizures, including taxidermy specimens of lions and gorillas, pangolin scales, and the rescue of 120 African Grey Parrots in Adamawa State.
“These cases underscore the scale, complexity, and profitability of illegal wildlife trafficking in Nigeria,” he said, adding that many of the networks behind these crimes are also involved in arms smuggling, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
Maiwada confirmed that the confiscated container would be officially handed over to NESREA on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in accordance with inter-agency cooperation protocols and legal mandates.
He further reiterated the Customs Service's commitment to combating wildlife crime through investment in modern enforcement tools, including digital surveillance, species identification technology, and forensic analysis of suspect communications.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, remains resolute in enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, CITES regulations, and all relevant national environmental laws,” he said.
Maiwada urged the public—especially those living in border communities and near logistics hubs—to report any suspicious activities involving wildlife products. He emphasized that defeating wildlife crime will require constant vigilance, strong inter-agency collaboration, and a collective national effort.
He concluded by commending the operatives of the SWO, CIU, Customs Police Unit, and strategic partners for their role in the success of the operation, promising continued updates on future developments and prosecutions.
