By Paul Joseph
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an alleged wildlife trafficking operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, rescuing two live lion cubs and arresting three suspects.
The interception was carried out 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 organisation, Focused Conservation.
According to a report issued by the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, the suspects allegedly intended to transport the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja to Congo-Brazzaville.
Mani said Customs operatives, acting on intelligence, moved to the airport’s cargo terminal where they monitored a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) suspected to be involved in the movement.
The operation took a dramatic turn when a Customs intelligence officer inspecting the vehicle reportedly heard animal cries coming from the rear compartment.
A subsequent search of the luggage area led to the discovery of two lion cubs concealed inside crates.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene, including 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 wider network allegedly behind the attempted movement of the animals.
Mani warned that the Customs Service would not allow Nigeria to become a transit route or safe haven for wildlife trafficking syndicates.
“With fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success, it is a critical conservation victory,” he said.
The Customs official said the attempted transportation of the lions constituted a violation of national and international wildlife protection laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act.
Following the rescue, the two lion cubs were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for veterinary care, rehabilitation and further conservation management.
The Customs Service said the operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration in tackling wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s endangered species.
Leave a Reply