NIGERIA CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS LION CUB, PATAS MONKEYS ON BADAGRY–SEME ROAD

NIGERIA CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS LION CUB, PATAS MONKEYS ON BADAGRY–SEME ROAD

The intercepted wildlife

By Frank Odinukaeze

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, have intercepted a lion cub and two patas monkeys during a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
The wildlife were discovered in the early hours of Sunday, 16 November 2025, when officers stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the operatives found the endangered animals concealed inside.
Two men identified as 32-year-old Beninese national, Mr. Mathew Kofi, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, claimed ownership of the animals. They confessed to purchasing them in Kano and attempting to smuggle them into the Benin Republic, a move that violates both Nigerian law and global conventions on wildlife protection.

Deputy  Comptroller AY Mohammed, representing the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga in a hand over ceremony 

As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Nigeria forbids the trafficking of endangered wildlife. In line with these obligations, the animals were immediately confiscated and brought to the Command’s headquarters for proper documentation.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of their involvement in wildlife trafficking networks.

The  vehicle conveying the  wildlife 

For expert care and safety, the lion cub and monkeys were officially handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative on Sunday. The handover was carried out by Deputy Comptroller AY Mohammed, representing the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga.
Comptroller Adenuga reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and enhancing border security. He emphasised that the Command will continue to work with relevant authorities to curb illegal wildlife trade within the border corridor.
The Customs Public Relations Officer for Seme Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, confirmed that the suspects will face appropriate sanctions after investigations are concluded.