*Nigeria Customs Service Cracks Down on Wildlife Trafficking*

By Lod Onyeji

In a significant operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a large shipment of dry salted donkey skins worth N3.6 billion. The seizure, made by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C in Owerri, is a major blow to syndicates involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items.

The seized shipment consisted of 3,022 pieces of donkey skins, with an average weight of 4.5kg per piece, carefully packed in a 40-foot container to evade detection. However, the eagle-eyed officers of the FOU Zone C were able to unravel the contents of the container, which was billed for illegal export.

*Effective Enforcement and Dedication*

The seizure demonstrates the NCS's effective enforcement of government trade policies and its commitment to combating smuggling. The operatives involved in the seizure are commended for their professionalism and dedication to upholding national laws and protecting endangered species.

*Leadership Commitment*

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has lauded the efforts of the operatives and reaffirmed the Service's resolve to uphold national laws and protect endangered species. The NCS's leadership commitment to enforcing government trade policies and combating smuggling is evident in this significant seizure.

*Impact and Conclusion*

The seizure is expected to have a significant impact on the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items, and demonstrates the NCS's commitment to protecting the nation's economic interests and maintaining the integrity of the country's borders. The NCS's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species are also in line with global efforts to conserve biodiversity and prevent the extinction of species.

The NCS's seizure of the N3.6 billion worth of donkey skins is a significant achievement in the fight against smuggling and wildlife trafficking. The Service's commitment to enforcing government trade policies and protecting endangered species is commendable, and its efforts are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the country's borders.