The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted a cross-country wildlife trafficking attempt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on August 4.

The NCS in a statement on Thursday said its intervention led to the rescue of two lion cubs and the arrest of three key suspects.

The agency said the operation was spearheaded by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), alongside other security agencies.

The agency’s Assistant Comptroller and Officer-in-Charge of Special Wildlife Office (SWO), Anuhu Mani, stated that the suspects planned to transport the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja to Congo-Brazzaville as the final destination.

The enforcement agency said customs operatives, who acted on credible intelligence, “mounted surveillance at the airport’s cargo terminal, locking onto a black SUV linked to the illicit movement.”

It added that the operation “took a crucial turn when an eagle-eyed CIU operative conducting a physical inspection of the vehicle heard animal cries coming from the rear compartment.”

The border-control agency said the operatives discovered two lion cubs concealed in crates when it searched the vehicle’s luggage area.

Mr Mani said three suspects, comprising the alleged owner of the animals, the vehicle’s driver and a customs clearing agent, were taken into custody following the interception.

He said the suspects were undergoing interrogation to unravel the broader syndicate behind the operation.

“This operation sends an unmistakable message that Nigeria will not serve as a transit hub or safe haven for wildlife trafficking syndicates,” Mr Mani stated.

“With fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success, it is a critical conservation victory.”

“Our specialised unit will continue to leverage intelligence, profile trade routes, and prosecute those who profit from the illegal trade of our endangered species,” he added.

The NCS officer stated that the illegal transportation violated national and international wildlife protection laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act (ESA).

He said the rescued lion cubs were handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialised veterinary care and rehabilitation.