The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container loaded with dry salted donkey skin worth an estimated N3.6 billion. The prohibited cargo, bound for illegal export, was seized in Owerri, Imo State, following what officials described as a meticulously coordinated operation.
Customs Area Comptroller Abdullahi Balogun confirmed the discovery on Tuesday, crediting credible intelligence and sharp surveillance by officers of the zone. A detailed examination of the container revealed 3,022 pieces of donkey skin, packed in sacks containing between nine and ten pieces each, with a combined weight of 13,599 kilograms.
Global market estimates peg the value of dry salted donkey skin at about $750 per piece or $166.6 per kilogram — figures that underscore the scale of the interception.
Balogun stressed that donkey skin remains on Nigeria’s export prohibition list due to concerns over biodiversity loss, environmental harm, and the illicit trade in endangered species. “This seizure highlights our unrelenting resolve to stop the illegal trade of wildlife products,” he said, warning individuals and syndicates engaged in such activities to desist.
He commended the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, adding that under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the Service is determined to enforce government trade policies and protect Nigeria’s natural heritage.
The seized container is under investigation, with further actions to follow in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023) and related laws. The operation is seen as another signal that Nigeria will not serve as a conduit for the illegal wildlife trade.
