The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe Area Command, has recorded a significant breakthrough in its anti-smuggling and wildlife protection operations following the interception of endangered species and illicit goods along major routes in Maiduguri.

In a statement issued on April 9, 2026, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Ubali, said the seizures were carried out along Kano Road in Maiduguri.

According to the statement, operatives intercepted two hyenas, one porcupine, and 24 African crowned crane birds concealed in a Mercedes-Benz wagon with registration number ABJ 517 AR. The wildlife species are listed under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which affords them the highest level of international protection.

Ubali said the interception reflects the Command’s sustained commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species, noting that safeguarding biodiversity remains a core responsibility of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“It is part of our mandate to ensure that wildlife species are protected and not driven toward extinction,” the statement said.

The seized animals have an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦10 million.

Reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Idris, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to clamp down on wildlife trafficking within its jurisdiction.

“We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our territory. We are working closely with relevant partners and sister agencies to protect Nigeria’s wildlife heritage and ensure that offenders are brought to justice,” he stated.

In a separate operation, the Command intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle along the Nguru–Gashua Road in Yobe State, conveying 65 cartons of foreign juice branded “Djino Cocktail de Fruits,” which were concealed with two 50kg bags of Arabic gum and sugar.

The seized items were valued at ₦2.73 million, bringing the total Duty Paid Value of all interceptions to ₦12.73 million.

The Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and support enforcement efforts by providing credible intelligence to help combat wildlife trafficking and other forms of smuggling.