Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor |journalist at Weng Global
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has intercepted smuggled wildlife products and other contraband with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of approximately ₦362 million, dealing another major blow to wildlife trafficking and cross-border smuggling in northeastern Nigeria.
Among the seized items were pangolin scales, elephant ivory tusks, cannabis sativa, foreign rice, used clothing, and petroleum products, underscoring the growing sophistication of illegal trade networks operating across Nigeria’s borders.
The Comptroller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command disclosed the seizures during a press briefing, describing the operation as part of the Service’s renewed determination to strengthen border security, protect endangered wildlife, and combat economic sabotage.
Wildlife products dominate seizures
According to the Customs Command, the interception included a significant quantity of pangolin scales and elephant ivory tusks, both of which are among the world’s most trafficked wildlife products.
Authorities said the wildlife items were concealed alongside other smuggled goods in an apparent attempt to evade security checks.
Pangolins are listed among the world’s most endangered mammals due to persistent illegal hunting driven by demand for their scales and meat in parts of Asia and other international markets. Likewise, elephant ivory remains a highly sought-after commodity despite global bans aimed at protecting elephant populations.
Customs officials noted that Nigeria continues to strengthen collaboration with national and international agencies to dismantle trafficking syndicates involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
Other contraband intercepted
Beyond wildlife products, the Command also seized several prohibited and smuggled items during separate intelligence-led operations across Adamawa and Taraba states.
The intercepted items reportedly included:
- Pangolin scales
- Elephant ivory tusks
- Bags of foreign parboiled rice
- Cannabis sativa
- Used clothing
- Petroleum products
- Other prohibited goods
The total Duty Paid Value of all the seizures was estimated at ₦362 million.
Officials explained that the seizures were made through sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and collaboration with other security agencies.
Customs vows sustained crackdown
Speaking during the briefing, the Area Controller reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from smugglers and criminal networks.
He warned individuals involved in wildlife trafficking, smuggling, and other forms of economic sabotage to abandon the illegal business or face the full weight of the law.
According to him, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations across identified smuggling routes while deploying additional personnel and surveillance measures to intercept illicit consignments before they reach their destinations.
He stressed that the Service remains focused on enforcing government policies aimed at protecting Nigeria’s economy, public health, and biodiversity.
Threat to endangered species
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that the illegal trade in pangolin scales and elephant ivory poses a significant threat to biodiversity across Africa.
Nigeria has increasingly become a transit point for international wildlife trafficking syndicates because of its strategic location and extensive transport network.
The seizure of the wildlife products represents another effort by Nigerian authorities to curb the illicit trade and comply with international conservation agreements protecting endangered species.
Illegal wildlife trafficking is regarded as one of the world’s most profitable transnational crimes, generating billions of dollars annually for organized criminal groups.
Economic impact of smuggling
The Nigeria Customs Service noted that smuggling continues to undermine legitimate businesses, deprive the government of revenue, and threaten local industries.
Illegal importation of prohibited goods also exposes consumers to unsafe products while discouraging investment in domestic manufacturing and agriculture.
The Service said continuous enforcement operations are intended not only to recover revenue but also to protect national economic interests.
Officials urged residents in border communities to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of disrupting smuggling networks.
Collaboration with stakeholders
The Command emphasized that the fight against smuggling requires cooperation among government agencies, traditional institutions, border communities, and the public.
It encouraged citizens to report suspicious movements and illegal border activities while assuring informants that their identities would be protected.
The Service also reaffirmed its collaboration with environmental and law enforcement agencies in investigating wildlife trafficking cases and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted.
Authorities added that wildlife products recovered during the operation would be handed over to the appropriate government agencies in line with existing regulations.
Renewed enforcement drive
The latest interception comes as the Nigeria Customs Service continues to record major seizures across different commands nationwide.
In recent months, the Service has intensified anti-smuggling operations targeting wildlife trafficking, narcotics, petroleum smuggling, arms trafficking, and other prohibited imports.
The NCS maintains that improved intelligence gathering, technological deployment, and stronger inter-agency cooperation are yielding positive results in disrupting criminal activities along Nigeria’s borders.
Officials reaffirmed that the Service will continue to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity while facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
As enforcement efforts continue, authorities have warned smugglers that no border corridor will be left unchecked, insisting that anyone found violating customs laws will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Sources: Nigeria Customs Service (Adamawa/Taraba Area Command), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), The Punch, Daily Trust.
