The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, has intercepted a massive shipment of donkey skin worth N4.24 billion. The smugglers were trying to export the banned item, violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
In a statement released on February 6, the unit’s head, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, confirmed the seizure of 4,410 pieces of donkey skin. Donkeys are classified as an endangered species, and their illegal trade is strictly prohibited. This interception is part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and stop smuggling activities.
Apart from donkey skin, customs officers also seized other illegal goods during their operations. These include:
- 3,031 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N387.97 million
- 1,378 kg of Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) valued at N218 million
- 21 smuggled vehicles estimated at N561.33 million
- 105 bales of second-hand clothing worth N12.6 million
- 118 cartons of frozen poultry products valued at N2.83 million
The customs service has reaffirmed its commitment to stopping illegal trade. Comptroller Oladeji warned smugglers to stay away from unlawful activities, as strict measures are in place to tackle them. He also urged Nigerians to support the fight against smuggling to protect the economy and the environment.
The Nigeria Customs Service continues to monitor the country’s borders and enforce regulations to ensure compliance with international trade laws.