By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s biodiversity and upholding Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). On Sunday, 16 November 2025, at 0219hrs, operatives of the Command intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a routine stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
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A thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed a shocking discovery: one (1) Lion Cub and two (2) Patas Monkeys being transported in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws. The two individuals who claimed ownership of the animals, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, confessed that they had purchased the animals in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Benin Republic. This egregious act of wildlife trafficking was promptly thwarted by the vigilant Customs operatives.
The Seme Area Command took immediate action, confiscating the endangered species and bringing them to the Command for documentation. The two male suspects were detained for further investigation to ascertain the level of their involvement in wildlife trafficking. This swift action underscores the Command’s dedication to enforcing laws related to wildlife protection and environmental conservation.
To ensure the proper care, safety, and expert handling of the seized animals, the endangered species were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative on Sunday, 16 November 2025. 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. This collaboration with a reputable wildlife organization guarantees the well-being of the animals and facilitates their potential rehabilitation.
Comptroller Adenuga reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and border security. He emphasized that the Command will continue to work with relevant agencies to decisively curtail the illegal trade in endangered species. The success of this operation is a testament to the Command’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and uphold the nation’s international obligations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, remains resolute in its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect the nation’s natural heritage. “The Command’s proactive measures and collaborations with stakeholders have yielded significant results, and it will continue to work tirelessly to prevent the exploitation of endangered species”.
“By working together with relevant agencies and stakeholders, the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, is making a meaningful contribution to the global effort to protect endangered species and preserve the natural world for future generations”.
Newspoint247 reports that the interception of the Lion Cub and Patas Monkeys is a significant achievement for the Seme Area Command, demonstrating its effectiveness in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. The Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and upholding international obligations is unwavering, and it will continue to take bold action against those who seek to exploit the nation’s natural resources.
This is contained in a statement disseminated and signed by the Public Relations O
fficer of the Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman on Monday, November 17th, 2025.
