By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, has handed over a massive cache of seized donkey bones and skins worth ₦3.94 billion to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in a major operation targeting illegal wildlife trafficking.
The handover, which took place at the Command’s headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, was described by Comptroller Aminu Sule as a significant milestone in the protection of endangered species and the preservation of Nigeria’s biodiversity.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Saidu Nuruddeen, the seizures comprised 700 bags of donkey bones valued at ₦1.86 billion and 2,500 pieces of donkey skin worth ₦2.07 billion, intercepted in separate anti-smuggling operations.
The donkey skins were seized on September 18, 2025, while the bones were confiscated earlier.
“Donkeys are a lifeline to rural communities, serving as a means of livelihood and transportation. Their indiscriminate slaughter undermines sustainable development,” Comptroller Sule stated.
He warned traffickers to desist from illegal wildlife trade, emphasising that the Customs Service would continue to enforce environmental protection laws across the region.
“This seizure is a clear message to traffickers. FOU Zone ‘B’ will not relent in enforcing environmental laws, protecting endangered species, and ensuring Nigeria does not become a hub for illegal wildlife trade,” Sule said.
The Comptroller also commended his officers for their diligence and lauded the intelligence cooperation received from sister security agencies.
He noted that the success of the operation reflects the Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi’s reform agenda built on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
In his remarks, NESREA’s Kaduna State Coordinator, Hene Emmanuel, applauded the Customs Service for its proactive stance, pledging that the agency would immediately commence investigations and ensure the safe disposal of the confiscated items.
“Trafficking in donkey parts poses serious ecological and socio-economic threats. NESREA is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to combat environmental crimes,” Emmanuel said.
The event, which drew representatives from security and regulatory agencies, ended with the formal handover of the seized donkey parts to NESREA for appropriate legal and environmental action.
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