By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted an alleged international wildlife trafficking operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, rescuing two live lion cubs and arresting three suspects allegedly connected with the illicit movement of the animals.
The operation, which took place on August 4, 2026, was carried out by the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the FCT Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, FCT Command and its conservation partner, Focused Conservation.
According to a report released on August 10 by the Officer in Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, the suspects were allegedly transporting the two lion cubs from Kano through Abuja to Congo Brazzaville.
The operation followed intelligence received by the Customs Service on the suspected movement of the animals. Acting on the information, Customs operatives mounted surveillance around the cargo terminal of the Abuja airport and identified a black Sport Utility Vehicle allegedly connected with the movement.
The breakthrough came when a Customs intelligence operative conducting a physical inspection of the vehicle heard animal cries coming from the rear compartment. The officers subsequently opened the luggage area and discovered two live lion cubs concealed inside crates.
The discovery led to the arrest of three suspects identified as the alleged owner of the animals, the driver of the vehicle and a Customs clearing agent.
The suspects are currently being interrogated as investigators work to establish the extent of the operation and identify other persons who may be connected with the alleged international wildlife trafficking network.
Mani said the interception demonstrated the determination of the Customs Service to prevent Nigeria from becoming a transit route or safe haven for 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 said the rescue of the lion cubs was particularly significant given the declining population of lions remaining in the wild in Nigeria, stressing that the seizure was not only an enforcement success but also an important conservation intervention.
“With fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success, it is a critical conservation victory,” Mani said.
The Customs officer said the Special Wildlife Office would continue to deploy intelligence, profile trade routes and pursue persons involved in the illegal trade in endangered species.
“Our specialised unit will continue to leverage intelligence, profile trade routes, and prosecute those who profit from the illegal trade of our endangered species,” he said.
The attempted shipment, according to the Customs Service, contravened national and international laws governing the protection and trade of wildlife. The laws cited include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, as well as Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act.
Following the interception, the two lion cubs were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialised veterinary care and rehabilitation.
The Customs Service said the seizure also highlighted the growing role of its intelligence and enforcement units in tackling organised environmental crime, particularly the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife through Nigeria’s international transport corridors.
The latest interception comes as the Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, continues to strengthen intelligence-led operations against transnational illicit trade and other activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s borders and international obligations.
The rescued cubs will remain under specialised care as investigations into the alleged trafficking operation continue.
