Kaduna, Nigeria — August 6, 2026 — An intelligence-led wildlife crime operation in Kaduna has resulted in the rescue of five primates and the arrest of two suspected wildlife traffickers.
Operation Baboon, conducted at Lungard Hall, Murtala Square, was carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office (SWO) with support from Focused Conservation.
The operation highlights the growing importance of intelligence-led enforcement and strong partnerships in disrupting wildlife trafficking before illegally captured animals enter the criminal supply chain.
The SWO is a specialized unit of the Nigeria Customs Service focused on combating wildlife crime and dismantling trafficking networks operating within Nigeria. Through the collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence, the unit supports the identification, targeting, surveillance and enforcement of wildlife crime.
In this case, actionable intelligence indicated that individuals were attempting to sell three baboons and two Tantalus monkeys at a roadside location in Kaduna.
Acting on the intelligence, SWO operatives moved in on August 6 as the suspects were conducting a transaction involving the five primates. Two suspects were arrested and the animals recovered.
Five Primates Found Malnourished
Further examination revealed the condition of the animals and the consequences of their illegal capture and attempted sale. All five primates were found to be malnourished and in urgent need of veterinary care.
With support from Focused Conservation Wildlife Rehabilitation & Welfare Advisor Lindsay Maess, the animals were examined by a veterinarian before being transferred to Focused Conservation partner Dr. Ona at Woodland Park Zoo in Enugu, where they will receive continued veterinary treatment and care.
Their condition is a stark reminder of the often-hidden suffering associated with wildlife trafficking. Animals removed from the wild and held within the illegal trade can be subjected to inadequate nutrition, poor conditions, stress, injury and a lack of appropriate veterinary care.
Turning Intelligence Into Action
For Focused Conservation, supporting the SWO’s intelligence-led enforcement capabilities is a key component of its work with law enforcement partners across Africa. Effective wildlife crime enforcement requires more than simply recovering trafficked animals. Intelligence can provide investigators with the information needed to identify criminal activity, target offenders and intervene before wildlife moves further into the trafficking network.
Operation Baboon is another example of actionable intelligence being converted into operational results with five primates rescued, two suspects arrested, and an illegal wildlife transaction disrupted.
The five animals are now receiving the care they urgently need, while the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding their attempted sale.
