The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted a container carrying 4,410 pieces of donkey skins worth N4.235 billion, marking a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade.
FOU Comptroller Kola Oladeji, while addressing journalists at the unit’s Ikeja office, stated that the illicit consignment also breaches the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
“With the quantity of donkey skins intercepted, it is evident that over 4,000 donkeys were slaughtered illegally,” Oladeji stated.
“This is a grave violation of CITES, and we are committed to unmasking those behind this illicit trade.”
However, beyond the illegal donkey skins, customs operatives also confiscated:
- 21 smuggled vehicles with a duty-paid value of N500 million
- 3,031 bags of 50kg foreign rice worth N387.9 million
- 2,725 parcels (1,378 kg) of Cannabis Sativa valued at N218 million
- 397 jerrycans of petrol (PMS) worth N1.588 million
- 118 cartons of frozen poultry worth N2.832 million
- 105 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N126 million
Oladeji further confirmed that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, including those linked to narcotics and other contrabands.
He noted that some of the suspects have been released on administrative bail as investigations continue.
The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) reaffirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service will intensify its “Swift Sting Operation” in 2025 to combat economic sabotage.
“I strongly urge smugglers to abandon illegal activities and pursue legitimate trade,” he said.
He also assured genuine importers and traders that Customs remains open for consultation and collaboration in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing trade regulations and safeguarding the economy from the harmful effects of smuggling.