By Ikugbadi Segun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an international wildlife trafficking operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, rescuing two live lion cubs and arresting three suspects allegedly linked to the illicit movement.
The operation, conducted on August 4, 2026, was led by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), in collaboration with the FCT CIU, Customs Police Unit (CPU), FCT Command and conservation partner, Focused Conservation.
According to an official report released on August 10 by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, the suspects were allegedly attempting to move the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja to Congo-Brazzaville, their intended final destination.
Acting on actionable intelligence, Customs operatives mounted surveillance at the airport’s Cargo Terminal and identified a black SUV suspected to be connected with the illicit movement.
The operation took a decisive turn when a CIU operative conducting a physical inspection of the vehicle heard animal cries coming from the rear compartment. Upon opening the luggage area, officers discovered two live lion cubs concealed inside crates.
Three suspects, including the alleged owner of the animals, the driver of the vehicle and a Customs clearing agent, were subsequently arrested. They are currently undergoing interrogation as investigators work to uncover the wider network allegedly behind the trafficking attempt.
Mani said the operation demonstrated the Service’s zero-tolerance stance towards wildlife trafficking, stressing that Nigeria would not allow its territory to be used as a transit route or safe haven for international wildlife trafficking syndicates.
“This operation sends an unmistakable message that Nigeria will not serve as a transit hub or safe haven for wildlife trafficking syndicates,” Mani said.
He added that rescuing the cubs was particularly significant given the declining population of lions in Nigeria’s wild.
“With fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success, it is a critical conservation victory,” he said, adding that the Special Wildlife Office would continue to leverage intelligence, profile trafficking routes and pursue individuals profiting from the illegal trade in endangered species.
According to the Customs official, the attempted movement of the animals contravenes relevant national and international wildlife protection laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Following their rescue, the two lion cubs were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialised veterinary care and rehabilitation.
The latest interception highlights the expanding role of the NCS in combating environmental and organised crime, particularly along West Africa’s major transport corridors.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has continued to strengthen intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting illicit trade networks and protecting Nigeria’s endangered wildlife.
