*Nigeria Customs Service Cracks Down on Wildlife Trafficking*

 By Lod Onyeji

The Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, intercepting a container loaded with over 10,000 donkey genitals along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway. The seizure, which was made on June 5, 2025, is part of the Service's ongoing efforts to disrupt transnational criminal networks dealing in endangered species.

*A Coordinated Effort*

The operation was carried out by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), which gathered intelligence, conducted profiling, and initiated investigations to track down the traffickers. The SWO has recorded commendable progress in recent times, uncovering and disrupting numerous illicit wildlife trafficking operations.

*A Significant Seizure*

The seized wildlife items will be officially handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in line with the Service's commitment to inter-agency collaboration and environmental protection. This seizure is part of a larger effort by the Nigeria Customs Service to combat wildlife trafficking, which has been linked to organized crimes, including money laundering, arms smuggling, and illicit currency flows.

*A Broader Impact*

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noted that the illegal wildlife trade is not just an ecological issue, but one tied to organized crimes. He emphasized the importance of digital surveillance, cross-border enforcement, and species identification in combating the menace. The Service is investing in these areas to strengthen its evidence base and prosecute offenders.

*A Collaborative Approach*

The Nigeria Customs Service has acknowledged the role of strategic partners, including Focused Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wild Power Trust, Green Fingers, and Padrilas, as well as enforcement agencies in neighboring countries. This collaborative approach is crucial in combating wildlife trafficking, which requires a coordinated effort to disrupt transnational criminal networks.

*A Step Forward*

The Nigeria Customs Service's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking are yielding significant results. With its Special Wildlife Office and Customs Intelligence Unit working tirelessly to gather intelligence and track down traffickers, the Service is poised to make further breakthroughs in this critical area. As the Service continues to invest in digital surveillance and cross-border enforcement, it remains a vital player in protecting Nigeria's wildlife and environment.