The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle carrying one lion cub and two patas monkeys in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
The command’s Spokesperson, Isah Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to him, the vehicle, with registration number MUS 743 HA, was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.
“Upon inspection, the operatives discovered one lion cub and two Patas Monkeys being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
“Two individuals, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian; claimed ownership of the animals.
“They confessed that they had purchased them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Benin Republic,” he said.
Sulaiman said that, in line with Nigeria’s status as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and in accordance with global wildlife-protection standards, the endangered species were immediately confiscated and taken to the command for documentation.
“The two 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 Nov.16, to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative.
“The handover was carried out by Deputy Comptroller AY Mohammed (DC Administration) on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga,” he said.
Speaking, Adenuga reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation and border security.
The Controller reiterated the command’s resolve to continue working with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species was curtailed.
By Raji Rasak
