The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a wildlife trafficker with 346 rare bird heads and other animal specimens in Cross River.
The trafficker, a Nigerian, was arrested by the officers and men of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command while entering Nigeria from Cameroon.
The Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, Comptroller Gabriel Ogbonna, disclosed this on Monday in Calabar while parading the suspect, Bello Abubakar.
Ogbonna said that the suspect was apprehended at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station of the command on March 12.
He explained that the items violate international laws as well as the NCS Act 2023, which prohibits trade in endangered species without permits.
“On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station, my officers intercepted a traveller entering Nigeria from Cameroon.
“The individual was found in possession of 213 parrot heads, 29 packs of parrot feathers, 128 heads of African hornbill, and five eagle heads.
“Others are one pack of eagle feathers, two heads, four hands, and four legs of chimpanzee.
“The seizure underscores a violation of international laws including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which Nigeria is a signatory to.
“Section 55 of the NCS Act 2023 prohibits the import/export/transit of endangered species without permits,” the Customs Comptroller said.
Ogbonna stressed that illegal wildlife trade does not only undermine Nigeria’s biodiversity, but also fuels crime, economic instability, and affect public safety.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for providing leadership and institutional support.
The Customs Area Compttroller also thanked other stakeholders, including officers and men of the command, for their resilience, dedication, and support.
He emphasised that the command under his leadership was committed to combating all forms of smuggling and enforcing customs laws.
Meanwhile, the suspect has stated that he bought the items in an open market in Cameroon and intended to sell it to those who need them in Nigeria.
