The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal wildlife trade with the interception of a 40-foot container laden with prohibited dry salted donkey skins valued at over ₦3.6 billion.
The seizure, which took place in Owerri, Imo State, was made possible following credible intelligence and a comprehensive examination conducted by vigilant Customs operatives under the command of Comptroller BA Balogun.
According to sources within the unit, the container was found to contain 3,022 pieces of dry salted donkey skin, with some sacks packed with 10 and others with 9 skins each. Each skin weighed an average of 4.5kg, totaling approximately 13.6 metric tons. On the international market, the product commands a staggering \$750 per piece and \$166.6 per kilogram.
The seized container is valued at an estimated ₦3.6 billion, including a conveyance cost of ₦25 million. Dry salted donkey skin is classified under Nigeria’s export prohibition list due to the critical threats its trade poses to biodiversity, environmental stability, and the survival of endangered species.
Comptroller Balogun, who assumed office less than three months ago, has quickly made his mark with a firm stance against smuggling and corruption. His leadership, according to insiders, has significantly boosted enforcement efficiency in Zone C.
Speaking on the operation, Comptroller Balogun commended the dedication and professionalism of his team, noting that the interception aligns with the core mandate of the Customs Service to enforce trade laws and protect the nation’s natural resources.
“This seizure is a clear signal to wildlife traffickers and illegal exporters that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, is unwavering in its resolve to enforce government regulations and clamp down on environmental crimes,” he said.
He further warned individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the trafficking of endangered species to desist, as Customs will intensify surveillance, intelligence operations, and strategic enforcement efforts across the federation.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General has applauded the FOU Zone C team for their vigilance and commitment, reaffirming the Service’s dedication to upholding Nigeria’s laws and international obligations on the protection of endangered species.
The intercepted container remains under investigation, and authorities have assured that appropriate legal actions will be taken in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other extant regulations.