In a significant blow to the illegal wildlife trade, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna, has intercepted and seized donkey parts valued at over ₦3.94 billion. The seizure, which marks a pivotal moment in the fight against environmental crime in Nigeria, was formally handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) during a ceremony held on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, in Kaduna. This operation underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities that threaten the nation’s ecological balance, socioeconomic stability, and sustainable development.
The confiscated consignment comprised two distinct categories of donkey parts: 700 bags of donkey bones, valued at ₦1.86 billion, and 2,500 pieces of donkey skins, worth ₦2.07 billion. These items were intercepted in two separate operations conducted by the vigilant operatives of FOU Zone B. The donkey skins were seized on September 18, 2025, while the donkey bones were recovered in an earlier operation, highlighting the unit’s persistent efforts to curb the illicit trade in wildlife products.
A Growing Threat to Nigeria’s Ecological and Socioeconomic Fabric
During the handover ceremony, the Customs Zone B Comptroller, Aminu Sule, delivered a powerful address condemning the escalating trade in donkey parts. He described the practice as a grave ecological and socioeconomic threat to Nigeria, emphasizing its far-reaching consequences for rural communities and the nation’s biodiversity. Donkeys, often regarded as humble yet indispensable animals, play a critical role in the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas where they serve as primary means of transportation, agricultural support, and economic sustenance.
“Donkeys are not just animals; they are lifelines for many rural communities,” Comptroller Sule remarked. “They carry goods to markets, transport water and firewood, and support agricultural activities. The indiscriminate slaughter of these animals for their parts not only disrupts ecosystems but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, undermining Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.”
The illegal trade in donkey parts, particularly skins and bones, has surged in recent years, driven by demand in certain international markets where donkey-derived products are used in traditional medicines, cosmetics, and other industries. This growing demand has led to the mass slaughter of donkeys, pushing the species toward the brink of extinction in some regions and creating ripple effects across Nigeria’s rural economy. The depletion of donkey populations threatens to erode the socioeconomic fabric of communities that rely on these animals for survival, exacerbating poverty and disrupting traditional ways of life.
A Robust Response from the Nigeria Customs Service
Comptroller Sule reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolute commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species. He emphasized that the FOU Zone B’s operations are aligned with the broader mandate of the Customs Service to prevent Nigeria from becoming a transit hub for illegal wildlife trade. The seizure of donkey parts worth over ₦3.94 billion is a testament to the unit’s proactive approach and its determination to disrupt the networks fueling this illicit trade.
“This seizure sends a clear and unequivocal message to traffickers: the Federal Operations Unit Zone B will not relent in its fight against environmental crime,” Sule declared. “We are fully committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage and ensuring that future generations inherit a country rich in biodiversity and ecological balance.”
The successful interception of the donkey parts was the result of meticulous intelligence-gathering, strategic planning, and the unwavering dedication of FOU Zone B operatives. The operation targeting the donkey skins on September 18, 2025, was executed with precision, preventing the consignment from reaching its intended destination. Similarly, the earlier recovery of 700 bags of donkey bones demonstrated the unit’s ability to act swiftly and decisively in the face of environmental crime.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
The formal handover of the seized donkey parts to NESREA underscores the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against environmental crime. Comptroller Sule highlighted that this partnership aligns with the Three-Point Agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which emphasizes Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. By working closely with NESREA, the Nigeria Customs Service is leveraging the expertise and resources of other agencies to enhance its enforcement capabilities and ensure that seized wildlife products are handled in accordance with national and international regulations.
“NESREA’s role in this process is invaluable,” Sule noted. “Their expertise in environmental regulation and enforcement ensures that seized items are properly managed and that violators are held accountable. This collaboration is a model for how agencies can work together to achieve common goals in protecting our environment and natural resources.”
The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from both the Nigeria Customs Service and NESREA, as well as other stakeholders in the environmental and wildlife protection sectors. The event served as a platform to reaffirm the commitment of both agencies to combat illegal wildlife trade and promote sustainable environmental practices.
A Call to Action for Communities and Stakeholders
In his address, Comptroller Sule called on communities, transporters, and traders to play an active role in the fight against wildlife trafficking. He urged them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the illegal trade in donkey parts or other wildlife products. “The fight against environmental crime is not the responsibility of the Customs Service alone,” he said. “It requires the collective effort of all Nigerians—communities, businesses, and individuals—to protect our natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future.”
Sule emphasized the importance of public awareness and education in addressing the root causes of wildlife trafficking. He called for increased efforts to educate communities about the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of the illegal donkey trade, as well as the need to protect endangered species. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the Customs Service hopes to build a broad coalition of stakeholders committed to preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.
The Broader Context of Wildlife Trafficking in Nigeria
The seizure of donkey parts by FOU Zone B is part of a larger effort to combat wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, which has emerged as a significant challenge in recent years. The country’s strategic location and porous borders have made it a target for traffickers seeking to exploit its wildlife resources for profit. Species such as pangolins, elephants, and now donkeys have become prime targets for illegal trade, driven by global demand for their parts.
The trade in donkey parts, in particular, has gained attention due to its devastating impact on donkey populations and rural communities. Donkeys are often stolen or illegally purchased from rural areas, slaughtered, and processed for their skins and bones, which are then smuggled out of the country. The loss of these animals has profound implications for rural economies, where they are often the only affordable and reliable means of transportation.
Moreover, the illegal trade in donkey parts contributes to Nigeria’s broader environmental challenges, including habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The mass slaughter of donkeys disrupts ecosystems and threatens the delicate balance of rural environments, where these animals play a critical role in supporting agricultural and economic activities.
The Role of Donkeys in Nigeria’s Rural Economy
To fully understand the significance of this seizure, it is essential to examine the role of donkeys in Nigeria’s rural economy. Donkeys are often referred to as the “beasts of burden” in rural communities, where they are used to transport goods, water, and firewood over long distances. They are also employed in agricultural tasks, such as plowing fields and carrying produce to markets. For many rural households, donkeys are a critical asset, enabling them to earn a living and sustain their families.
The loss of donkeys due to illegal slaughter has far-reaching consequences for these communities. Without donkeys, farmers and traders face increased costs and labor demands, as they must rely on more expensive or less efficient means of transportation. This can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, higher prices for goods, and increased poverty in already vulnerable communities.
Furthermore, the cultural significance of donkeys in Nigeria cannot be overstated. In many rural areas, donkeys are not only economic assets but also symbols of resilience and hard work. Their depletion threatens to erode cultural practices and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The Global Dimension of the Donkey Trade
The illegal trade in donkey parts is not a solely Nigerian issue; it is part of a global network driven by demand in certain international markets. Donkey skins, in particular, are highly sought after in some Asian countries, where they are used to produce ejiao, a traditional medicine believed to have health benefits. The production of ejiao has led to a sharp increase in the slaughter of donkeys worldwide, with Africa being a primary source of supply.
According to estimates, millions of donkeys are slaughtered annually to meet this demand, leading to a significant decline in global donkey populations. In Nigeria, the impact is particularly acute, as the country has one of the largest donkey populations in Africa. The loss of these animals threatens to disrupt not only local economies but also the global supply chain for donkey-derived products, raising ethical and environmental concerns.
International organizations, including the United Nations and various wildlife conservation groups, have called for stronger measures to combat the illegal donkey trade. Nigeria’s efforts, led by the Nigeria Customs Service and NESREA, are part of a broader global movement to protect donkeys and other endangered species from exploitation.
The Legal Framework for Combating Wildlife Trafficking
Nigeria has taken significant steps to strengthen its legal framework for combating wildlife trafficking. The country is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade in protected species. Donkeys are not currently listed as an endangered species under CITES, but the rapid decline in their populations has prompted calls for greater protection.
In addition to international agreements, Nigeria has enacted domestic laws to address environmental crime. The Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act prohibits the trade in protected species and imposes strict penalties for violators. The Nigeria Customs Service plays a critical role in enforcing these laws, working closely with agencies like NESREA to ensure compliance.
The seizure of donkey parts by FOU Zone B is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding these laws and protecting its natural resources. By intercepting illegal consignments and collaborating with other agencies, the Customs Service is sending a strong message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the success of this operation, the fight against wildlife trafficking in Nigeria faces significant challenges. The country’s vast borders and limited resources make it difficult to monitor and intercept all illegal activities. Traffickers often use sophisticated methods to evade detection, including smuggling goods through remote routes and disguising consignments to avoid scrutiny.
To address these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service is investing in advanced technology, such as surveillance drones and intelligence-sharing platforms, to enhance its enforcement capabilities. Training programs for customs officers are also being expanded to improve their ability to detect and respond to environmental crimes.
Public awareness campaigns are another critical component of the strategy to combat wildlife trafficking. By educating communities about the consequences of illegal trade and the importance of protecting species like donkeys, the Customs Service hopes to reduce the demand for illicit wildlife products and foster a culture of conservation.
Conclusion
The seizure of donkey parts worth over ₦3.94 billion by the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone B, Kaduna, is a landmark achievement in the fight against environmental crime. The operation not only disrupts the illegal trade in donkey parts but also sends a powerful message about Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
Through strong leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement, the Customs Service is making significant strides in addressing the ecological and socioeconomic threats posed by wildlife trafficking. The handover of the seized consignment to NESREA marks a milestone in this ongoing battle, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity for future generations.
As the country continues to confront the challenges of illegal wildlife trade, the Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in its mission to enforce environmental laws, protect endangered species, and ensure that Nigeria does not become a hub for illicit activities. With the support of communities, stakeholders, and international partners, Nigeria is poised to lead the way in preserving its natural resources and building a sustainable future for all.