Three suspects arrested as Customs seize gorillas, chimpanzees, albino alligators in Kano wildlife trafficking bust

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of illegally traded wildlife and arrested three suspects traffickers.

The wildlife was intercepted along the Kano-Daura Highway during an intelligence-led operation on 25 August 2026.

The endangered wildlife recovered include one caracal wild cat, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustards.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Tahir Balarabe, the operation was conducted in accordance with Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Balarabe said intercepted wildlife and the three suspects involved in the illegal trade had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

While handing over the animals, the Acting Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Muhammad Zanna, disclosed that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence.

Zanna, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, said the patrol team intercepted the suspects at about 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, along the Daura-Kano Road.

“The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects along the Daura-Kano Road. Commendably, our patrol officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the operation, as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes,” he said.

“This gallant effort has therefore disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife.

Zanna expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management team for their continued support towards protecting Nigeria’s borders and preventing the illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife.

He also commended the officers for their courage, vigilance, and integrity in carrying out the operation.

The Kano/Jigawa Area Command reiterated its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.

The command warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the illegal trade that the Service would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to disrupt activities that threaten Nigeria’s biodiversity and the survival of endangered species.