Customs intercepts lion cub, 2 monkeys along Badagry-Seme road

Operatives of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a lion cub and two patas monkeys being smuggled along the Gbaji, Badagry- Seme expressway.

In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaimon, the interception occured on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at about 0219hrs, during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji.

He said operatives of the command had intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA and upon inspection discovered the endangered species being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.

The seizure, he said demonstrate the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the “nation’s biodiversity and to uphold Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). ”

He said two suspects, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian; who claimed ownership of the animals and confessed that they had purchased them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Benin Republic have been detained for further investigation.

“In line with Nigeria’s status as a signatory to CITES and consistent with global standards for wildlife protection, the endangered species were immediately confiscated and brought to the Command for documentation, while the Two (2) male suspects were detained for further investigation to ascertain the level of their involvement in wildlife trafficking.

“For proper care, safety and expert handling, the endangered species were formally handed over on Sunday, 16 November 2025, to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative. The handover was carried out by Deputy Comptroller AY Mohammed (DC Administration) on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, ” the statement said.

The statement quoted Comptroller Adenuga as reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation and border security.

He also reiterated the Command’s resolve to continue working with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed.