Customs Busts Wildlife Trafficking Ring, Rescues Two Lion Cubs at Abuja Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service 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 trade.
The operation was conducted on August 4, 2026, by the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the FCT Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, FCT Command and 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 lion cubs from Kano through Abuja to Congo-Brazzaville.
Acting on intelligence, Customs operatives mounted surveillance around the airport’s cargo terminal and identified a black Sport Utility Vehicle allegedly connected to the movement of the animals.
The operation took a decisive turn when a Customs intelligence operative conducting a physical inspection of the vehicle heard animal cries from the rear compartment.
Upon opening the luggage area, the officers discovered the two lion cubs concealed inside crates.
Three suspects, identified as the alleged owner of the animals, the driver of the vehicle and a Customs clearing agent, were subsequently arrested.
The suspects are being interrogated as investigators work to establish the wider network allegedly involved in the international trafficking operation.
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Mani said the operation demonstrated the Service’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a transit route 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,” he said.
He added that rescuing the cubs was significant given the declining population of lions in Nigeria and stressed that the Customs Service would continue to use intelligence-led operations to disrupt illegal wildlife trade.
“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.
“Our specialised unit will continue to leverage intelligence, profile trade routes, and prosecute those who profit from the illegal trade of our endangered species.”
The Customs officer said the attempted shipment violated national and international wildlife protection laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act.
Following their rescue, the lion cubs were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialised veterinary care and rehabilitation.
The seizure underscores the expanding role of the Nigeria Customs Service in combating organised environmental crime, particularly illegal wildlife trafficking along Nigeria’s international transport corridors.
The Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has increasingly deployed intelligence-led enforcement measures to tackle transnational illicit trade and strengthen Nigeria’s role in protecting endangered species.
By PRNigeria
