Customs Intercepts ₦3.6 Billion Worth of Donkey Skin in Imo State, Foils Illegal Export Attempt
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container filled with dry salted donkey skins valued at ₦3.6 billion in Imo State, disrupting a major attempt to illegally export the prohibited wildlife product. Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, based in Owerri, carried out the seizure following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The operation marks the latest success in Nigeria’s intensified crackdown on the smuggling of endangered species and wildlife products. Donkey skin has become a highly sought-after item on the black market, especially in parts of Asia, where it is used in traditional medicine and cosmetic products.
Customs officials uncovered 3,122 pieces of salted donkey skin packed in sacks, each weighing between 4 and 5 kilograms amounting to over 13.5 tonnes in total. The seizure was described as a decisive move against illegal trade networks threatening Nigeria’s biodiversity.
Comptroller of the FOU Zone C, Abdullahi Balogun, who led the inspection and press briefing, highlighted the significance of the haul. “This consignment has an estimated market value of ₦3.6 billion. Its interception is a clear demonstration of our officers’ commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade,” he said.
He stressed that the export of donkey skins is explicitly prohibited under Nigeria’s Export Prohibition List and reinforced by global conservation frameworks aimed at protecting endangered animals.
The ban, officials say, is essential to preserving Nigeria’s rapidly declining donkey population, which rural communities rely on for farming and transportation. The Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023) grants officers the authority to seize such goods and bring offenders to justice.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi praised the customs team for their vigilance, declaring, “This operation sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers and illegal exporters. Nigeria is not a safe haven for environmental crime.”
An investigation has been launched to trace those behind the smuggling attempt. Customs authorities confirmed that individuals found guilty may face legal action, including heavy fines and jail terms.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the interception, warning that the illegal trade in donkey skin continues to decimate animal populations and fuel social tension in affected communities. They noted that the trade often operates through unregulated and clandestine channels, posing serious threats to conservation efforts.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage and enforcing both national and international environmental laws.
“We remain vigilant and committed to protecting our natural resources, ensuring compliance with both national and international regulations,” Balogun stated.
The seizure of ₦3.6 billion worth of donkey skins in Imo State stands as one of the largest of its kind in recent years, reinforcing the government’s determination to combat environmental crimes and preserve endangered species.
