The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, said it intercepted some endangered species, including a cub and two patas monkeys, at Gbaji, on the Badagry-Seme Road, that were about to be smuggled to the Benin Republic.
In a statement on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Isah Sulaiman, the animals were intercepted on Sunday.
Sulaiman explained that the interception demonstrates the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s biodiversity and upholding Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
“Operatives of the Command, on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at about 02:19 hrs, 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 cub and two patas monkeys being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws,” Sulaiman explained.
According to the PRO, two suspects, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese, 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,” he said.
Sulaiman stressed that for proper care, safety, and expert handling, the animals were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative.
He highlighted that the handover was carried out by the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Wale Adenuga.
Represented at the handing over by a Deputy Comptroller in charge of administration at the command, A.Y. Mohammed, the CAC 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 decisively curtail illegal trade in endangered species.
Nigeria ratified CITES in 1974, and the Convention officially entered into force for Nigeria in 1975. There is increased cooperation with other countries. For example, Nigeria is working with China to curb illegal wildlife trade in alignment with CITES. As a CITES signatory, Nigeria plays a critical role in regulating cross-border trade of endangered species. Its laws help protect both flora and fauna that are under threat due to international demand.
