Customs Intercepts Wildlife Trafficking Ring at Abuja Airport, Rescues Two Lion Cubs

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 linked to the attempted illegal shipment.

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

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

Customs operatives, acting on actionable intelligence, mounted surveillance at the airport’s Cargo Terminal and identified a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) suspected to be connected to the movement.

The operation reportedly took a decisive turn when a CIU officer conducting a physical inspection of the vehicle heard animal sounds coming from the rear compartment.

Upon opening the luggage area, officers discovered two lion cubs concealed inside crates.

Three suspects were subsequently arrested. They comprised the alleged owner of the animals, the driver of the vehicle and a Customs clearing agent.

The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as Customs authorities seek to establish the full extent of the trafficking network and identify other individuals who may be connected to the attempted shipment.

Mani said the operation demonstrated the Service’s determination to prevent Nigeria from being used as a transit route for international 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,” he said.

He added that the rescue of the cubs was particularly significant given the declining population of lions in Nigeria’s wild.

“With fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success, it is a critical conservation victory,” Mani said, adding that the specialised unit would continue to use intelligence gathering, trade-route profiling and enforcement measures to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

According to the Customs officer, the attempted transportation of the animals violates 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 (ESA).

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

The operation highlights the increasing involvement of the Nigeria Customs Service in combating environmental and wildlife-related crimes, particularly along Nigeria’s international transportation corridors.

The Service said the latest interception further demonstrates its efforts under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi to strengthen intelligence-led enforcement against organised environmental crime and prevent Nigeria from being exploited as a route for the illegal international wildlife trade.