From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has apprehended a wildlife trafficker with 346 rare bird heads and other animal specimens in Cross River State.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Gabriel Ogbonna, disclosed this at the Customs House in Calabar.
He said the suspect, Bello Abubakar, was apprehended at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station of the command while entering Nigeria from Cameroon with the specimens.
He explained that trade in these items violates international laws as well as the Nigeria Customs Service 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 5 eagle heads.
“Others are 1 pack of eagle feathers, 2 heads, 4 hands and 4 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 Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibits the import/export/transit of endangered species without permits,” he said.
The suspect, he said, is undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted in line with the law.
He emphasised that illegal wildlife trade not only undermines Nigeria’s biodiversity but also fuels crime, threatens economic stability, and jeopardises public safety.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing leadership and institutional support.
He also thanked other stakeholders, including the officers and men of the command, for their resilience, dedication, and support.
He emphasised that the command under his leadership is committed to combating all forms of smuggling and enforcing customs laws.
In a brief interview, the suspect, Bello Abubakar, said he bought the items in an open market in Cameroon and intended to sell them to those who need them in Nigeria.