Nigeria Customs Seizes Donkey Skins Worth N4.2 Billion, Smuggled Vehicles, Narcotics

Comptroller Oladeji reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and economic sabotage through its “Swift Sting Operation” in 2025.

Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted a shipment of 4,410 pieces of donkey skins valued at N4.235 billion, in a major operation against wildlife trafficking.

The confiscation, which took place in Lagos, is a violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and highlights the illegal slaughter of over 4,000 donkeys.

Addressing journalists at the FOU office in Ikeja, the Comptroller, Kola Oladeji, condemned the illicit trade and vowed to unmask those responsible.

“This is a grave violation of CITES, and we are committed to tracking down those behind this illegal activity,” Oladeji stated.

Additional Seizures

Beyond the donkey skins, Customs operatives also intercepted:

• 21 smuggled vehicles with a duty-paid value of N500 million
• 3,031 bags of 50kg foreign rice worth N387.9 million
• 2,725 parcels (1,378 kg) of Cannabis Sativa, estimated at N218 million
• 397 jerrycans of petrol (PMS) valued at N1.588 million
• 118 cartons of frozen poultry worth N2.832 million
• 105 bales of second-hand clothing worth N126 million

Arrests and Ongoing Investigations

Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures, including individuals linked to drug trafficking and other contraband smuggling. Some have been granted administrative bail as investigations continue.

Customs to Intensify Operations in 2025

Comptroller Oladeji reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and economic sabotage through its “Swift Sting Operation” in 2025.

“I strongly urge smugglers to abandon illegal activities and pursue legitimate trade,” he stated.

He also reassured genuine importers and traders of Customs’ readiness to collaborate under the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy while enforcing trade regulations to protect the nation’s economy.