*Arrests Two Suspects over One Lion Cub and 2 Patas Monkeys Trafficking
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command has intercepted some endangered species in its areas of operations.
The endangered species, one lion cub and two patas monkeys were intercepted at the weekend during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
The endangered species were intercepted in a blue colour Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), NCS, Seme Area Command, Mr. Isah Sulaiman who confirmed the development in a statement made available to Maritime Bits stated that upon inspection, eagle eye officers of the command discovered one lion cub and two Patas monkeys being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Describing the successful interception of the endangered species as NCS, Seme Area Command’s determination to demonstrate unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity, the statement added that the command will uphold Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) also revealed that no fewer than two persons, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian who claimed ownership of the animals have been arrested over the incident.
The statement added that the two persons have confessed that they had purchased them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Republic of Benin.
Continuing, it said: “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, 16 November 2025, to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative. The handover was carried out by Deputy Comptroller (DC) A.Y. Mohammed, DC Administration on behalf of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga.”
The statement quoted Comptroller Adenuga reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation and border security. The CAC reiterated the command’s resolve to continue working with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed in its areas of operations.
