ABUJA, Nigeria — August 4, 2026 — The sound of animals crying from the back of a black SUV led Nigerian officers to two young lion cubs being moved through the cargo terminal at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, an attempted shipment authorities believe was destined for Congo-Brazzaville.
The discovery was the result of an intelligence-led operation conducted by Nigeria Customs Service on August 4, known as Operation Traveller, which resulted in the rescue of the two lion cubs and the arrest of three suspects.
The operation was carried out by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), working with the FCT CIU, Customs Police Unit and officers of the FCT Command, with support from Focused Conservation.
The operation began with actionable intelligence indicating that two lion cubs were being transported from Kano to Abuja, where they were expected to be moved internationally to Congo-Brazzaville.
Acting on the intelligence, CIU operatives under the direction of the SWO were positioned at the airport and monitored activity at the cargo terminal. When a black SUV entered the warehouse area, an operative conducted an inspection of the vehicle. During the inspection, the officer heard animal cries coming from the rear. A closer examination revealed cages inside the vehicle’s luggage compartment. Inside were two live lion cubs.
The warehouse was immediately secured, and three individuals were detained. They included a man who identified himself as the owner of the animals, the driver of the SUV and a customs clearing agent. Authorities are questioning the three suspects as they work to determine their individual involvement and whether others may be connected to the attempted shipment.
The attempted movement of the cubs represents the continuing threat posed by the illegal trafficking of live big cats. Authorities believe the animals were being moved in violation of Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws and international protections, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
For Nigeria, the seizure carries particular significance. The country has an estimated 50 lions remaining in the wild, making the illegal removal of even a small number of animals especially concerning.
But the operation did not end with the seizure. With support from Focused Conservation, Technical Advisor Danny Murphy and Wildlife Rehabilitation & Welfare Advisor Lindsay Maess assisted with the immediate response to the cubs. A veterinarian examined both animals, and DNA samples were collected in an effort to determine their origin. Establishing where the cubs came from could provide important information for their future care while potentially contributing to the continuing investigation.
The two lions have since been transferred to Greenfingers, where they will receive continued care and additional veterinary treatment.
For Focused Conservation, Operation Traveller demonstrates the importance of combining intelligence, law-enforcement capability and specialized wildlife expertise.
The investigation into the attempted trafficking of the two lion cubs remains ongoing. Authorities will continue working to establish how the animals were obtained, trace their movement from Kano to Abuja and identify any additional individuals involved in the attempted international shipment.
