Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday intercepted a lion cub and two patas monkeys being transported in a vehicle, in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the NCS confirmed that two suspects Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr.
Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian who claimed ownership of the wildlife were arrested in connection with the intercepted animals. Gwandu admitted they had purchased the animals in Kano and intended to transport them to the Benin Republic.
Part of the statement reads: *“In our determination to demonstrate unwavering commitment to protecting our nation’s biodiversity and to uphold Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), operatives of the Command, on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at about 0219hrs, intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.
“Upon inspection, the operatives discovered One (1) Lion Cub and Two (2) Patas Monkeys being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws. Two (2) individuals, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, claimed ownership of the animals and confessed that they had purchased them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Benin Republic.
“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 (2) 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 to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative.”
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Adewale Adenuga, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and border security, stressing that the Command will continue to work with relevant agencies to decisively curb the illegal trade in endangered species.
