Customs Intercepts 718 Donkey Skins Valued at N24.3m in Bauchi, Arrests Suspects
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone D, Bauchi, has intercepted 718 pieces of donkey skins valued at over ₦24 million, allegedly being smuggled out of the country.
The Zonal Comptroller, Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing at the command’s headquarters in Bauchi, where he outlined recent anti-smuggling operations carried out by the unit.
According to Kaila, the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized donkey skins stands at ₦24,313,217. He said the interception was in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal trade in endangered species.
“This operation forms part of our mandate to combat illegal wildlife trade and to enforce the Federal Government’s ban on the exportation of donkey skins,” the Comptroller said.
He explained that the trade and export of donkey skins are prohibited under Nigerian laws and international conventions, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricts commercial transactions involving endangered wildlife.
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Kaila disclosed that two suspects — the driver and the owner of the seized goods — were arrested in connection with the incident and would be prosecuted in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant environmental protection laws.
Describing the seizure as a reaffirmation of the Service’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and national economic interests, the Comptroller warned that wildlife smuggling constitutes economic sabotage and would not be tolerated.
He added that the success of the operation was made possible through strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, leading to improved intelligence sharing and the disruption of smuggling networks within the zone.
“We will not relent in our efforts. Anyone involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products will be arrested, prosecuted, and made to face the full weight of the law,” Kaila warned.
He further appealed to residents of the state and the wider zone to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing credible information that would help curb smuggling activities in the region.
The seizure adds to ongoing efforts by the Service nationwide to enforce trade regulations and protect endangered species from illegal exploitation.
By PRNigeria
