The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘B’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, has made a significant seizure of contraband goods, including 750 sacks of donkey bones and 860 sacks of dried donkey meat, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of approximately Three Billion Naira.
Additionally, the unit confiscated illicit drugs, comprising 58,740 sachets of Tramadol and 48,000 ampules of Analgin injection, concealed within vehicle spare parts, valued at One Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira.
The items were paraded at the FOU Zone ‘B’ Headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, May 21, by Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, who revealed that these seizures occurred within a month from various locations in the zone.
“Of great importance is the interception of illegal donkey products by some unscrupulous elements who have no regard for the preservation of endangered species like the donkey, which is near extinction,” Comptroller Shuaibu stated.
Highlighting the specifics of the seizures, Shuaibu disclosed, “On April 25, 2024, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a truck with registration number GGE 526 XL along Sokoto/Gusau Road in Zamfara State. Upon examination in Kaduna, the truck was found to be carrying 750 sacks of donkey bones, valued at Two Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty-Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,363,500,000). One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.”
Further detailing another significant seizure, Shuaibu added, “On May 5, 2024, at about 0310hrs, operatives intercepted two Canter trucks carrying 860 sacks of dried donkey meat along Kontagora – Tegina Road in Niger State. Three suspects were arrested in connection with this seizure.”
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that trading in donkey bones and meat contravenes Section 55 (1) paragraph c and I (1) of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which regulates the import and export of goods concerning the protection of health and life of humans, animals, or plants, as well as adherence to international laws and conventions.
“The government is concerned about the illegal trade driving donkeys towards extinction. Nigeria is a signatory to the international convention for the prevention of endangering these species. The Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate this illegal trade,” Shuaibu asserted.
In addition to the contraband donkey products, the unit also seized illicit drugs on May 2, 2024, along the Saminaka/Nimbiya/Kafanchan axis of Kaduna State. The drugs, consisting of 58,740 sachets of Tramadol and 48,000 ampules of Analgin injection, were cleverly concealed within motor spare parts. The DPV of these drugs is estimated at One Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦167,500,000).
Within the period from April 17 to May 17, the unit intercepted various items, including 12 vehicles used for conveyance, 174 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 234 jerry cans of PMS (25 liters each), and 109 bales of second-hand clothing.
These seizures underscore the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to curbing illegal trade and protecting endangered species, while also preventing the distribution of illicit drugs.
