The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted an alleged international wildlife trafficking operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, rescuing two live lion cubs and arresting three suspects.
The operation, was led by the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the FCT Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, FCT Area Command and conservation partner, Focused Conservation.
According to a statement issued by the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, the suspects allegedly attempted to transport the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja to Congo-Brazzaville.
Mani said the operation followed actionable intelligence that prompted Customs operatives to intensify surveillance around the airport’s Cargo Terminal.
He explained that operatives identified a black SUV suspected to be connected with the illegal movement and commenced a physical inspection of the vehicle.
According to him, the operation took a decisive turn when an intelligence officer heard animal cries coming from the rear compartment of the vehicle.
Upon opening the luggage area, officers discovered two live lion cubs concealed inside crates.
Three suspects, including the alleged owner of the animals, the driver of the vehicle and a Customs clearing agent, were arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
Mani said the suspects were undergoing interrogation as authorities work to establish the wider network allegedly involved in the trafficking operation.
He reiterated the NCS’s zero-tolerance stance towards wildlife trafficking, warning that Nigeria would not serve as a transit route or safe haven for international wildlife trafficking syndicates.
The Customs official described the rescue of the cubs as both an enforcement success and a conservation victory, particularly given the declining population of lions in Nigeria’s wild.
He said the Special Wildlife Office would continue to use intelligence gathering, profiling of trafficking routes and enforcement operations to disrupt illegal wildlife trade and bring offenders to justice.
According to the NCS, the transportation of the animals allegedly contravenes national and international wildlife protection frameworks, 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 and rehabilitation.
The NCS said the successful operation highlights the growing role of the Service in combating organised environmental crime and disrupting wildlife trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s transport corridors.