Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The lion cub rescue marks a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife trafficking after operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service intercept two rare lion cubs allegedly being smuggled out of the country through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Nigeria Customs Service announced the operation in a statement on Thursday, revealing that officers from the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit, working alongside other security agencies, carried out the interception on August 4 following intelligence reports.
According to the agency, surveillance focused on a black sport utility vehicle at the airport’s cargo terminal, where officers conducting a routine physical inspection heard faint animal cries coming from the rear compartment.
The search led to the discovery of two lion cubs concealed inside crates in the vehicle’s luggage area.
Customs officers immediately arrested three suspects identified as the alleged owner of the cubs, the vehicle driver and a licensed customs clearing agent. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal network involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Mani of the Special Wildlife Office says the seizure demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to tackling wildlife crime.
“This operation sends an unmistakable message that Nigeria will not serve as a transit hub or safe haven for wildlife trafficking syndicates,” Mani says.
Following the rescue, the lion cubs are transferred to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, where veterinary experts are providing medical treatment, rehabilitation and specialised care.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Abah Felicity 