The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has seized a significant haul of illegal wildlife products at the Mfum/Ekok Joint Border Station in Calabar.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chukwudi Ogbonna, revealed that the consignment was intercepted on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during a routine baggage check on a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon.
According to Ogbonna, the seized items included:
- 213 parrot heads
- 29 packs of parrot feathers
- 128 African hornbill heads
- 5 eagle heads
- 1 pack of eagle feathers
- 2 chimpanzee heads
- 4 chimpanzee hands
- 4 chimpanzee legs
The suspect was immediately arrested and is currently in custody pending further investigation.
Comptroller Ogbonna condemned the act, highlighting that it violates both national legislation and international agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
“This illegal trade undermines our biodiversity, fuels transnational crime, and poses a serious threat to economic and environmental stability. We remain committed to enforcing the law and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage,” Ogbonna stated.
He reiterated the Command’s dedication to curbing smuggling and urged the public to support Customs’ efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
The Comptroller also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Cross River State Government, security agencies, and officers of the command for their continued collaboration in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
