In its determination to demonstrate 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), operatives of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Sunday, November 16, intercepted one Lion Cub and two Patas Monkeys being trafficked to Benin Republic.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Isah Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of said that at about 0219 hours on Sunday, officers of the command intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
Upon inspection, the operatives discovered one Lion Cub and two Patas Monkeys being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two individuals, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian; claimed ownership of the animals and confessed that they had purchased them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Benin Republic.
“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 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, November 16, 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 reads.
However, Comptroller Adenuga reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation and border security.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to continue working with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed.
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