On June 5, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) captured a 40-foot container laden with 10,603 male donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, marking one of the greatest seizures in the country’s continuing war against illicit wildlife trafficking. This important seizure was part of a joint investigation by the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Special Wildlife Office (SWO), showing the continuous threat presented by organized criminal networks exploiting endangered and protected animals for profit.
The confiscated container was formally turned over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) during a ceremony at the NCS Government Warehouse in Karu, Abuja. This transfer demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining international accords such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and endangered species.
The capture of the donkey genitals is not an isolated event but part of a greater drive by Nigerian authorities on unlawful wildlife trafficking. Over the last year, the Special Wildlife Office has identified many smuggling activities involving a broad variety of rare and endangered species. These include the recovery of six African grey parrots and the arrest of a suspect in Kano, the interception of live pangolins, Mona monkeys, Tantalus monkeys, a baby baboon, and other protected animals at Lagos Airport, as well as seizures of parrot heads, eagle heads, hornbill heads, and other exotic species in Cross River State.
Other notable seizures include 119.4 kilograms of pangolin scales concealed in sacks near Calabar, 120 African grey parrots rescued in Adamawa State, and confiscations of taxidermy specimens such as life-sized lions, zebra hides, gorilla parts, and pangolin scales across various ports and logistics routes nationwide.
Between December 2024 and June 2025, the SWO intercepted a total of 6,087.9 kilograms of pangolin scales, 4.15 kilograms of worked ivory, 157 live African grey parrots, 20 green parrots, four live Senegal parrots, two budgerigars, six live monkeys, four live pangolins, 3,022 donkey skins, 37 taxidermy specimens, 16 zebra skins, and the 10,603 male donkey genitals.
Customs officers have underlined that wildlife trafficking in Nigeria is becoming connected with other severe transnational crimes such as money laundering, gun smuggling, and illegal cash movements. The NCS considers these illicit operations not merely as ecological hazards but also as issues of national security.
Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller and National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service underlined the necessity of digital monitoring, forensic analysis, and inter-agency collaboration in dismantling these sophisticated trafficking networks. He asked the people, particularly those in border villages and logistical centers, to report any suspicious actions to help enforcement operations.
The Special Wildlife Office has made tremendous achievements in apprehending criminals engaged in wildlife trafficking. More than 10 persons have been arrested in connection with these crimes, with at least one already convicted. The NCS continues to enhance its enforcement capabilities, employing technology and collaborations with groups such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Justice Commission, and Interpol to identify, intercept, and punish criminals.
The presentation of the donkey genitals to NESREA constitutes a significant step in inter-agency coordination aimed at maintaining Nigeria’s biodiversity and implementing national and international wildlife protection regulations.
The capture of nearly 10,000 male donkey genitals is especially significant because of the size and the odd nature of the cargo. Donkey genitals are trafficked largely for use in traditional medicine and aphrodisiac markets, which increases demand and promotes illicit hunting and trading. Such large-scale trafficking affects donkey populations and raises worries about the sustainability of wildlife resources.
This event shows the difficulty Nigeria confronts in tackling wildlife crime, which is typically committed by well-organized, multinational criminal networks utilizing porous borders and poor enforcement procedures. The Customs Service’s proactive approach and multi-agency collaboration serve as an example for handling these complex offenses.
The capture of the container carrying 10,603 male donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway is a milestone victory in Nigeria’s campaign against illicit wildlife trafficking. It highlights the devotion and rising expertise of the Nigeria Customs Service and its partners in conserving endangered species and maintaining the country’s natural heritage. Continued vigilance, public engagement, and international collaboration are critical to dismantling these criminal networks and protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity for future generations.
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