Focused Conservation congratulates the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) ECOWAS Joint Border Patrol Team at the Seme Border on the successful interception of an illegally trafficked live patas monkey during a targeted enforcement operation on June 23, 2026.
Acting on intelligence, officers assigned to the ECOWAS Exit Point at the Seme Border between Nigeria and Benin stopped and searched a public bus suspected of transporting illegal wildlife. During the inspection, one passenger drew the attention of officers through his suspicious behavior.
A search of the suspect and his belongings resulted in the discovery of one live male patas monkey concealed for transport. The subject was immediately arrested, and his electronic devices were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary inquiries indicate the suspect intended to traffic the monkey from Nigeria to Ghana via Benin as part of an international wildlife trafficking route. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case and whether additional individuals or criminal networks are involved.
Following the seizure, the patas monkey was transferred into the care of Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, where it is receiving veterinary evaluation and appropriate care.
Protecting One of Africa’s Fastest Primates
The patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) is widely recognized as the fastest primate in the world, capable of reaching speeds of more than 35 miles (55 km) per hour across the African savanna. Native to the dry woodlands and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, patas monkeys play an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and helping maintain healthy ecosystems.
Although the species is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), populations are declining in several parts of their range due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal capture for the wildlife trade. Young primates are often targeted by traffickers because they can be sold into the illegal pet trade.
Building Capacity to Combat Wildlife Crime
This seizure highlights the continued vigilance and professionalism of the Nigeria Customs Service as officers strengthen their ability to identify and intercept wildlife trafficking at key border crossings. As criminal networks increasingly exploit regional transportation routes, proactive enforcement remains essential to preventing the illegal movement of protected wildlife across West Africa.
Focused Conservation is proud to support the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office and its partner units through mentorship, investigative guidance, and specialized training designed to build long-term capacity to combat wildlife trafficking and transnational organized crime.
Every successful interception represents more than a single rescue, it disrupts criminal activity, strengthens law enforcement partnerships, and provides another opportunity to protect Africa’s remarkable wildlife for future generations.
