Customs Seizes ₦4.2bn Donkey Skins, Other Contraband in Major Crackdown

Kehinde Fajobi

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted a container carrying 4,410 pieces of donkey skins, valued at ₦4.235 billion, in a sweeping anti-smuggling operation.

Speaking to journalists in Ikeja, FOU Comptroller Kola Oladeji confirmed that the seizure was in line with Nigeria’s ban on trading endangered species and also violated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

He stated, “With the quantity of donkey skins intercepted, it is evident that over 4,000 donkeys were slaughtered illegally.

“This is a grave violation of CITES, and we are committed to unmasking the individuals behind this illicit trade.”

In addition to the donkey skins, Customs confiscated 21 vehicles with a duty-paid value of ₦500 million.

Other seized items included 3,031 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth ₦387.9 million, 2,725 parcels (1,378 kg) of cannabis valued at ₦218 million, 397 jerrycans of petrol worth ₦1.588 million, 118 cartons of frozen poultry valued at ₦2.832 million, and 105 bales of second-hand clothing worth ₦126 million.

Various narcotics and other banned items were also intercepted.

Oladeji confirmed that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seized goods. Some have been granted administrative bail while investigations continue.

He also reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to cracking down on smuggling, warning traffickers to abandon their illegal activities.

“I strongly advise smugglers to abandon illegal activities and engage in legitimate trade,” he said.

“For genuine importers and traders, our doors remain open for consultation and collaboration in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.”

The Nigeria Customs Service vowed to sustain its Swift Sting Operation in 2025 to curb economic sabotage and enforce trade regulations.

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