NIGERIA CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS TRAFFICKING RING AT ABUJA AIRPORT, FOILS PLAN TO SMUGGLE TWO LION CUBS ABROAD
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an international wildlife trafficking operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, rescuing two live lion cubs and arresting three suspects linked to the attempted smuggling. The intelligence-led operation was carried out on August 4, 2026, by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), in collaboration with the FCT CIU, Customs Police Unit (CPU), FCT Command and conservation partner, Focused Conservation. According to a report released on August 10 by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, the suspects allegedly attempted to transport the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja, with Congo-Brazzaville as their intended final destination. Acting on intelligence, Customs operatives mounted surveillance at the airport's Cargo Terminal and identified a black SUV suspected to be involved in the illegal movement. During a physic...