Major Customs Operation Recovers N4.2bn Donkey Skins
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a 40-foot container containing 4,410 pieces of dried donkey skins, valued at approximately ₦4.2 billion, in Lagos. This operation was part of an enforcement effort conducted between December 25, 2024, and February 4, 2025.
Comptroller Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, highlighted that the illegal slaughter of over 4,000 donkeys for their skins violates both national regulations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). He emphasized the commitment to identifying and prosecuting those involved in this illicit trade.
In addition to the donkey skins, the NCS intercepted other contraband items during the same period, including:
- 3,031 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice worth ₦387.9 million.
- 2,725 parcels (1,378 kg) of cannabis sativa valued at ₦218 million.
- 397 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦1.6 million.
- 118 cartons of frozen poultry products valued at ₦2.8 million.
- 105 bales of second-hand clothing worth ₦12.6 million.
- 21 exotic vehicles with a duty-paid value of ₦561.3 million.
The total value of the seized goods is estimated at ₦5.4 billion. Six suspects have been arrested in connection with these seizures, with some granted administrative bail pending further investigation.
The NCS urges individuals involved in smuggling to cease their unlawful activities and engage in legitimate trade, reaffirming its dedication to enforcing trade regulations and protecting the economy from the adverse effects of smuggling.