Hyenas & Porcupine Seized: Customs Smashes ₦12.7M Wildlife Trafficking Ring in Maiduguri

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a significant blow to the illicit wildlife trade in the Northeast. In a daring interception along the Kano-Maiduguri Road, operatives of the Borno/Yobe Area Command rescued a collection of endangered species concealed within a Mercedes-Benz wagon.

Hyenas & Porcupine Seized: Customs Smashes ₦12.7M Wildlife Trafficking Ring in Maiduguri
photo credit: NCS

The “Zoo” on Wheels

On April 9, 2026, Customs officials uncovered a living cargo that looked more like a wildlife sanctuary than a transit vehicle. The seizure included:

• Two Hyenas

• One Porcupine

• 24 African Crowned Cranes

These species are protected under CITES Appendices I and II, the highest global legal framework designed to prevent the extinction of wild fauna. The estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) for the animals alone stands at ₦10 million.

Hyenas & Porcupine Seized: Customs Smashes ₦12.7M Wildlife Trafficking Ring in Maiduguri
photo credit: NCS

Zero Tolerance for Trafficking

Comptroller Abdullahi Idris issued a stern warning to traffickers, emphasizing that the NCS is moving beyond traditional smuggling to prioritize biodiversity protection.

“We will not tolerate wildlife trafficking in our territory. We are working with sister agencies to protect Nigeria’s wildlife heritage,” Idris stated.

Hidden Contraband

The Command’s vigilance extended beyond wildlife. Along the Nguru–Gashua route, a separate bust uncovered 65 cartons of foreign “Djino” juice hidden beneath bags of Arabic gum and sugar. This brings the total value of intercepted goods to ₦12.73 million.

This breakthrough underscores a shifting frontline in Borno and Yobe: Customs is no longer just watching for rice and fuel, but is now a primary shield for Nigeria’s most vulnerable natural treasures.

Written by Boom RadioNG