Customs Intercepts N67.8 Million Worth of Smuggled Goods, Rescues Endangered Parrots in Adamawa

Daily Rendezvous 

In a major breakthrough against illegal cross-border activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adamawa/Taraba Area Command has intercepted contraband goods valued at over N67.78 million and rescued more than a hundred endangered wild African grey parrots.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the Customs House in Yola, where the Area Controller detailed the remarkable achievements of the Command’s operatives in their latest anti-smuggling operations conducted over the past three weeks.

What Was Seized?

The Command recorded 19 separate interceptions across multiple smuggling routes including Mubi-Sahua, Goshindan-Farang/Belel, Girei-Woro Bokki, Fufore-Gurin, Gella, Damere Waterside, and Numan axis. The items seized include:

13,200 litres of petrol (PMS) and 1,925 litres of diesel (AGO) packed in hundreds of jerry cans.

11 sacks of secondhand clothing smuggled through illegal routes.

Tramadol capsules: 5,710 (100mg) and 990 (50mg) concealed under charcoal sacks.

185 packets of Benzhexol tablets (5mg).

111 live African grey parrots and 9 dead ones — cruelly trafficked in wooden boxes from Cameroon into Nigeria.

The parrots, which are a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), were being trafficked for the exotic pet market. Their recovery marks a rare and important success in the ongoing war against wildlife trafficking in the region.

Tramadol Bust and Wildlife Rescue

One suspect was arrested along Apawa-Numan road on June 19 with large quantities of Tramadol and Benzhexol, illicit drugs known for their abuse among young people. The suspect concealed the drugs beneath charcoal bags but was intercepted through actionable intelligence.

On June 27, another major interception occurred at Gurin border, where Customs officers rescued the endangered parrots from a trafficker coming in from Cameroon. Tragically, nine of the birds had already died due to poor conditions in transit.

What Happens Next?

The NDLEA takes custody of the illicit drugs and the suspect for further investigation.

The World Parrot Trust tales over care of the rescued parrots for rehabilitation and return to the wild.

The 101 raw donkey skins seized earlier in May will be destroyed today in line with Customs regulations.

Seized petroleum products will be auctioned to the public immediately, with proceeds deposited into the Federation Account.

Leadership and Collaboration

The Customs boss credited the success to the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as strong collaboration with other Customs units (CIU, SIS, CPU, FOU) and sister security agencies.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders, economy, and environment, warning smugglers to desist or face the full weight of the law.

 “We will continue to work tirelessly, leveraging intelligence and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle smuggling networks. This is a fight for national security and economic integrity,” the Controller said.

He also applauded the media for their role in public sensitization and urged citizens to support the fight against smuggling for the sake of a safer, stronger Nigeria.

 DID YOU KNOW?

African grey parrots are among the world’s most trafficked birds due to their intelligence and speaking ability. Their population is in sharp decline, and trafficking them is illegal under both Nigerian law and international treaties.

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