The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, Bauchi, has intercepted 718 pieces of donkey skins valued at over N24 million, allegedly being smuggled out of the country.

The seizure was disclosed on Tuesday by the Zonal Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Kaila, during a media briefing on the command’s anti-smuggling operations held at its headquarters in Bauchi.

Kaila revealed the financial value of the confiscated items, stating, “The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at Twenty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventeen Naira (N24,313,217.00)”.

He explained that the interception was carried out in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, who has ordered strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal trade in endangered species.

“This operation is part of our broader mandate to combat the illegal wildlife trade and enforce the Federal Government’s ban on the exportation of donkey skins,” he stated.

The Comptroller further explained that the trade and exportation of donkey skins remain prohibited under Nigerian law, as well as international conventions, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which restricts the commercial trade of endangered wildlife.

According to him, two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure, including the driver of the vehicle and the owner of the goods.

He said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other applicable environmental protection laws.

Describing the seizure, Kaila said it was “a reaffirmation of the service’s commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and national economic interest,” adding that the smuggling of wildlife products amounts to economic sabotage.

He noted that the success of the operation was achieved through strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, which has enhanced intelligence sharing and disrupted smuggling networks operating within the zone.

“We will not relent. Anyone involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products will be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable under the full wrath of the law,” he warned.

The Comptroller also called on residents of the zone to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing credible information that could help in disrupting smuggling activities across the region.

In July, the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, intercepted and handed over 25 containers loaded with unregistered and prohibited products to officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.