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Customs operatives intercepted two live lion cubs hidden inside crates at Abuja airport while they were being transported for illegal export to Congo-Brazzaville.
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Three suspects, including the alleged owner of the cubs, the vehicle driver and a Customs clearing agent, were arrested as investigators widened efforts to dismantle the trafficking syndicate.
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The operation was triggered by actionable intelligence and a physical inspection that led officers to discover the concealed animals after hearing unusual cries from the vehicle’s cargo compartment.
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The rescued lion cubs have been transferred to wildlife conservation experts for veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, while Customs vowed intensified enforcement against wildlife trafficking.
August 13, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a major blow to international wildlife traffickers after intercepting two rare live lion cubs concealed for illegal export through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, arresting three suspects in what authorities described as a coordinated intelligence-driven operation against transnational environmental crime.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Abuja Command of the NCS said the operation, carried out on August 4, 2026, exposed an alleged trafficking network attempting to move the endangered animals from Kano through Abuja to Congo-Brazzaville, highlighting Nigeria’s growing role in the fight against the illicit global wildlife trade.
According to an official report released on August 10, 2026, by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office (SWO), the operation was executed by the Customs Intelligence Unit’s Special Wildlife Office in collaboration with the FCT Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, the FCT Area Command and conservation partner, Focused Conservation.
Mani disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that a syndicate was preparing to illegally transport the lion cubs through the airport’s cargo terminal for shipment outside Nigeria.
Acting on the intelligence, Customs officers mounted surveillance around the cargo terminal and tracked a black Sport Utility Vehicle suspected to be conveying the protected animals.
The breakthrough came during a physical examination of the vehicle when a vigilant Customs Intelligence operative reportedly heard unusual animal cries coming from the rear luggage compartment.
A subsequent search uncovered two live lion cubs concealed inside specially prepared crates.
The discovery immediately led to the arrest of three persons believed to be directly connected to the operation. Those arrested include the alleged owner of the animals, the vehicle driver and a licensed Customs clearing agent.
Authorities said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as investigators work to identify other members of the trafficking network and establish the full scope of the cross-border operation.
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Customs Declares Zero Tolerance For Wildlife Crime
Reacting to the successful interception, Mani said the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to intensify intelligence gathering and strategic enforcement to ensure the country does not become a transit point for international wildlife trafficking.
“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 represented more than a law enforcement achievement, stressing that it was equally significant for wildlife conservation.
“With fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success; it is a critical conservation victory. Our specialised unit will continue to leverage intelligence, profile trade routes, and prosecute those who profit from the illegal trade of our endangered species”, Mani stated.
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According to the Customs official, the attempted export breached both Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered wildlife.
Following the operation, the rescued lion cubs were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialised veterinary care, rehabilitation and eventual conservation management.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
