In a significant victory against illegal wildlife trade, the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully intercepted a wildlife trafficking operation, rescuing a young lion cub and two patas monkeys destined for illegal export.
Dawn Interception at Seme Border
The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service conducted the rescue operation in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025. At approximately 2:19 AM, customs operatives stationed at Gbaji along the Badagry-Seme Expressway in Lagos State intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a routine stop-and-search operation.
Upon thorough inspection of the vehicle, officers made a shocking discovery: one lion cub and two patas monkeys were being transported in clear violation of both national and international wildlife protection laws. The endangered animals were concealed within the vehicle, apparently to avoid detection during what authorities believe was an attempted smuggling operation across the border to the Benin Republic.
Suspects Arrested and Confessions Revealed
Customs officials immediately arrested two suspects in connection with the illegal wildlife trafficking attempt. Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian citizen were taken into custody and currently remain detained for further investigation.
During preliminary interrogation, both suspects allegedly confessed to owning the animals and revealed that they had purchased them in Kano State. The traffickers intended to transport the endangered species to the Benin Republic, demonstrating the transnational nature of wildlife crime networks operating in West Africa.
Official Response and Wildlife Protection Commitment
Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the Customs Area Controller for Seme Area Command, confirmed the successful operation and emphasized its significance in Nigeria's broader conservation efforts. "This interception demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the nation's biodiversity and upholding Nigeria's obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)," Adenuga stated.
In line with established protocols for handling rescued wildlife, the endangered animals were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Deputy Comptroller AY Mohammed (DC Administration) executed the handover on behalf of Comptroller Adenuga, ensuring the animals would receive proper care, safety, and expert handling at the specialized facility.
The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its determination to continue combating wildlife trafficking, recognizing the threat it poses to Nigeria's natural heritage and global biodiversity conservation efforts.
