In a significant operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has successfully intercepted endangered wildlife, including a lion cub and two patas monkeys, from suspected traffickers attempting to smuggle them out of the country.
Dramatic Interception on Badagry-Seme Expressway
The interception occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway. According to a statement released by the command's Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the incident took place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at approximately 0219 hours.
Customs operatives halted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at the Gbaji checkpoint. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers made a startling discovery concealed inside: one lion cub and two patas monkeys.
Suspects Arrested and Confessions Made
The command immediately took two individuals into custody who claimed ownership of the protected animals. The suspects were identified as Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian.
During preliminary investigations, both men admitted they had purchased the animals in Kano and were transporting them to the Benin Republic. Crucially, the suspects failed to provide any legitimate documentation authorizing the transportation of the endangered species, leading to their arrest for further investigation into their involvement in wildlife trafficking networks.
Commitment to Wildlife Protection and Legal Action
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Wale Adenuga, emphasized that this interception demonstrates Nigeria's firm commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade. The seizure was conducted in strict adherence to national and international wildlife protection laws, particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In line with protocol, the endangered animals were immediately confiscated and transported to the command headquarters for proper documentation. On the same day, the animals were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for professional care, safety, and expert handling to ensure their wellbeing.
Adenuga reaffirmed the command's unwavering determination to enforce all laws pertaining to wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and border security. He pledged continued collaboration with relevant agencies to combat the illegal trade and smuggling of endangered species, thereby protecting Nigeria's rich biodiversity.
Related Drug Bust in Owerri
In a separate but related development, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over significant drug seizures to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Owerri, Imo State.
The Customs Area Controller of the unit, Bishir Balogun, reported that operatives intercepted 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) weighing 77,500 grammes and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 8,600 grammes during routine patrols. The concealed substances were detected and seized, then transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
