Nigeria | August 2026
A major live-wildlife trafficking consignment has been intercepted in northern Nigeria, resulting in the seizure of 48 live animals, including four chimpanzees and two infant gorillas and the arrest of three suspects.
Operation Traverse was initiated on the evening of 25 August 2026, when officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Area Command, acting on credible intelligence they developed during a night patrol, intercepted a vehicle carrying the animals along the Daura-Kano road.
The successful interdiction highlights the growing capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service to identify and disrupt wildlife trafficking, supported by its partnership with Focused Conservation (FC) and the specialized capabilities of the NCS Customs Intelligence Unit Special Wildlife Office (SWO).
Among the animals recovered were four chimpanzees and two infant gorillas. The seizure also included caracals, patas monkeys, galagos, a honey badger, albino alligators, rockfowl, a civet cat and greater bustards.
48 Animals. 10 Species.
The diversity and scale of the seizure provide a stark illustration of the breadth of the illegal live-wildlife trade.
| Species | Number |
|---|---|
| Greater bustards | 19 |
| Patas/Mona monkeys | 7 |
| Rockfowl | 6 |
| Chimpanzees | 4 |
| Caracals | 4 |
| Infant gorillas | 2 |
| Pottos | 2 |
| Albino crococdiles | 2 |
| Honey badger | 1 |
| Civet cat | 1 |
| Total | 48 |
The six great apes were the highest-priority animals following the seizure. The chimpanzees included three infants and one approximately two years old, while both gorillas were infants. Their young age and trafficking history created an immediate need for specialized care.
Operation Traverse also demonstrated the importance of professionalism and integrity in wildlife enforcement. During the interception, the suspects reportedly made multiple attempts to offer bribes to the NCS officers. The officers refused the attempts, maintained custody of the suspects and wildlife, and completed the enforcement action. Their vigilance and professionalism ensured that the consignment was successfully interdicted and the case preserved for further investigation.
Following the seizure, the animals and suspects were handed over to the NCS Customs Intelligence Unit Special Wildlife Office at Headquarters for further investigation and appropriate action. The rapid transition to the SWO brought specialized wildlife-enforcement expertise into the case while urgent animal-welfare needs were addressed simultaneously.
The operation also demonstrates the practical value of the ongoing partnership between the NCS Special Wildlife Office and Focused Conservation. Focused Conservation provides technical assistance and mentorship to the SWO, including border-awareness engagements with frontline NCS commands. During these visits, SWO personnel train Customs officers to recognize indicators of wildlife trafficking, understand concealment and movement patterns, and identify circumstances requiring referral or escalation to specialized wildlife investigators. This sustained investment in frontline awareness strengthens the ability of NCS officers to recognize wildlife trafficking during routine enforcement activities.
Operation Traverse demonstrates the value of that approach. Frontline awareness led to action and specialized wildlife investigators were brought in and a major live-wildlife consignment was removed from the trafficking chain.
A Rapid Animal-Welfare Response
The seizure of 48 live animals created an immediate animal-welfare challenge, particularly for the six great apes.
The chimpanzees and infant gorillas required immediate stabilization, appropriate nutrition, veterinary assessment, medication where necessary, sanitation, secure temporary accommodation and experienced caregivers. Focused Conservation supported the emergency animal-welfare response following notification of the seizure. FC primatologist Lindsay Maess provided specialized primate-care support and mentorship. Working alongside the NCS response, an NCS nurse, veterinary personnel and Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative, the team helped stabilize and care for the traumatized chimpanzees and gorillas.
The response highlights an essential component of live wildlife enforcement where seizing an animal is only the beginning. Effective enforcement requires the ability to immediately provide appropriate care while investigations continue and longer-term rehabilitation arrangements are developed.
Protecting the Future of Six Great Apes
The four chimpanzees and two gorillas remain the highest-priority welfare component of Operation Traverse. For great apes, rehabilitation involves far more than basic survival. Their physical condition, nutritional needs, psychological trauma and social development must all be considered when determining their long-term care.
Where appropriate and feasible, the ultimate objective is to provide the strongest possible foundation for future rehabilitation and potential rewilding. For now, the focus remains on stabilization, recovery and continuous species-appropriate care.
Recognition of the NCS–FC Partnership
On 30 August 2026, the NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command held a press conference addressing Operation Traverse, the successful interception and the response to the rescued animals. The event was attended by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and Head of the Special Wildlife Office Mani Anuhu. The Comptroller-General recognized the professionalism and integrity of the NCS officers involved and expressed appreciation for Focused Conservation’s ongoing partnership and support.
He also acknowledged the specialized rehabilitation needs of the rescued chimpanzees and gorillas and the importance of ensuring their care is appropriate to their species, age and trauma history. The recognition reflects the broader value of the partnership: strengthening enforcement capability while ensuring that the necessary expertise and resources are available when live wildlife is rescued.
Operation Traverse would not have been possible without the leadership and professionalism of the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command, led by Area Comptroller DC UU Adams. Special recognition is also due to Assistant Comptroller Zanna and the officers who carried out the interdiction and secured the animals and suspects: CSC AA Hassan, DSC HN Umar, ASC1 I Saidu and ASC1 AB Saleh. Their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to their duties were critical to the successful outcome of the operation. Their actions demonstrate the important role that well-trained, dedicated frontline Customs officers play in protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and disrupting the illegal movement of live animals.
The Work Continues
The investigation into the trafficking of the 48 animals continues, while the rescued wildlife remains under care. For the six chimpanzees and gorillas, the immediate priority is survival, stabilization and recovery. For investigators, the priority is determining how the animals entered the trafficking chain and identifying those responsible and for the Nigeria Customs Service, the Special Wildlife Office, Focused Conservation and their partners, Operation Traverse provides another example of what can be achieved when intelligence, frontline enforcement, specialized investigation, conservation expertise and animal welfare are brought together.
Forty-eight animals were intercepted. Three suspects were arrested. Six great apes were rescued. And another major live-wildlife trafficking movement was disrupted.
The investigation continues, but for these animals, their journey through the trafficking chain has ended.
