Customs Intercepts Two Lions At Abuja Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two rare lion cubs at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The customs service said three international wildlife trafficking suspects were arrested in connection with the attempt to traffic the lion cubs.
The raid, executed on 4 August 2026, was spearheaded by the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Units, in partnership with an NGO, Focused Conservation.
According to official report release by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani , Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, the suspects were attempting to transport the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja, with Congo-Brazzaville as their final destination.
Acting on actionable intelligence, Customs operatives mounted surveillance at the airport’s Cargo Terminal, locking onto a black SUV linked to the illicit movement. The operation took a crucial turn when an eagle-eyed CIU operative conducting a physical inspection of the vehicle heard animal cries coming from the rear compartment. Upon opening the luggage area, officers uncovered the two lion cubs concealed in crates.
Mani stated that three suspected owner of the animals, the vehicle’s driver, and a Customs clearing agent were immediately taken into custody and are currently undergoing interrogation to unravel the broader syndicate behind the operation.
”This operation sends an unmistakable message that Nigeria will not serve as a transit hub or safe haven for wildlife trafficking syndicates,” he stated, adding that “with fewer lions remaining in Nigeria’s wild, saving these cubs is not just an enforcement success, it is a critical conservation victory. Our specialized unit will continue to leverage intelligence, profile trade routes, and prosecute those who profit from the illegal trade of our endangered species”.
According to him, the illegal transporting of the lion cubs violates key national and global wildlife protection laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act (ESA).
He said that the lion cubs were handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for specialized veterinary care and rehabilitation.
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