The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, intercepting a lion cub and two Patas monkeys being smuggled to Benin Republic.
The animals were discovered in a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway .
The two suspects, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, claimed ownership of the animals and confessed to purchasing them in Kano for export.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and collaborating with relevant agencies to curb the illegal trade.
Highlights:
Seized Animals: One lion cub and two Patas monkeys
Suspects: Two males, Mr. Mathew Kofi and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu
Vehicle: Blue Mazda with registration number MUS 743 HA
Destination: Benin Republic
Handover: Animals handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for care and expert handling.
This interception demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to upholding its obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
