Customs Intercept Wildlife Trafficking Attempt, Rescue Two Lion Cubs in Abuja

Customs Intercept Wildlife Trafficking Attempt, Rescue Two Lion Cubs in Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled 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 movement.

The intelligence-led operation was conducted on August 4, 2026, by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), in collaboration with the FCT CIU, Customs Police Unit (CPU), FCT Command and conservation partner, Focused Conservation.

According to a report issued on August 10 by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, the suspects were allegedly transporting the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja, with Congo-Brazzaville identified as their intended final destination.

Acting on credible intelligence, Customs operatives mounted surveillance around the airport’s Cargo Terminal and identified a black SUV suspected to be connected to the movement.

During a physical inspection of the vehicle, an alert CIU officer reportedly heard animal sounds coming from the rear compartment. A subsequent search led to the discovery of two live lion cubs concealed inside crates in the luggage area.

Three suspects were immediately arrested, 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 uncover the wider network allegedly involved in the trafficking operation.

Mani said the seizure demonstrated the Service’s firm stance against the illegal wildlife trade, warning that Nigeria would not be allowed to become 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 stressed that the rescue was particularly significant given the declining population of wild lions in Nigeria, describing the operation as both an enforcement success and 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,” he added.

According to the Customs official, the attempted shipment constitutes a violation of national and international wildlife protection regulations, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act.

Following their rescue, the two lion cubs were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialised veterinary care, rehabilitation and further conservation management.

The NCS said the successful operation further highlights the expanding role of its intelligence and enforcement units in combating organised environmental crime and disrupting illegal wildlife trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s transport corridors.

The Service also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, profiling illicit trade routes and working with conservation partners to protect endangered species and bring those involved in wildlife trafficking to justice.

Customs Intercept Wildlife Trafficking Attempt, Rescue Two Lion Cubs in Abuja