The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa area command, has intercepted a consignment of illegally traded wildlife and arrested three suspects on the Kano-Daura Road.

Its spokesman Tahir Balarabe, stated this in a statement on Friday.

He said the wildlife were intercepted on Tuesday, following an intelligence-led operation, in accordance with Section 55(1)(i) of the NCS Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The acting deputy comptroller of enforcement, Muhammad Zanna, who spoke on behalf of the acting customs area controller, Usman Adamu, said the operation was conducted following credible intelligence.

“The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30 p.m. on August 25. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects on the Kano-Daura Road,” he said.

He, therefore, commended the patrol officers for demonstrating a high level of professionalism during the operation as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes.

“The efforts of these gallant officers have therefore, disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,” Mr Adamu said.

He further stated that following a physical examination, the intercepted wildlife were identified as follows: four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, and two baby gorillas.

Others, he said, were seven red-coloured Patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat, and 19 greater bustard wild birds.

“The wild animals and suspects were subsequently handed over to the representative of the Special Wildlife Unit, Office of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, for further investigation and prosecution,” he revealed.

Mr Adamu expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their continued support towards protecting Nigeria’s borders and preventing the illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife.

(NAN)