The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its swift action in arresting a suspected wildlife trafficker at the Mfum/Ekok border in Cross River State.

The suspect was caught attempting to smuggle a shocking haul of endangered animal parts from Cameroon into Nigeria, including 213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet.

Country Director of WCS, Andrew Dunn praised the Customs officers for their vigilance, stating, “this arrest highlights the importance of our ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service.”

Every seized item, he said, represents a tragic loss for nature, but with continued collaboration and awareness, such can be curbed.

“We need to stop the illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species from extinction.
“NCS has confirmed that the suspect, a Nigerian from Oyo State, was arrested on March 12 while crossing the border,” he said.

According to him, the suspect would be in custom’s custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to tackling illegal wildlife trade through routine border control and surveillance.

Dunn further explained that Since 2020, the NGO has trained over 100 Customs personnel across Nigeria to strengthen anti-trafficking measures.

He noted that the organisation has also partnered with Customs and the Elephant Protection Initiative to establish 10 secure storage facilities nationwide for seized wildlife products, ensuring proper handling and documentation.