Customs Intercept 64 Donkey Skins Bound for China, Seize Contraband Worth N112.59m

Operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, have intercepted 64 complete donkey skins intended for illegal export to China through the Republic of Cameroon.

The interception, announced on Wednesday by the Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Bature Bashir, took place at the Damare River Bank in Adamawa State. The smugglers had allegedly concealed the hides, planning to move them under the cover of darkness across the border.

Bashir revealed that the Command made 29 seizures within six weeks, valued at N112.59 million. Other seized items included 20,600 litres of petrol, 91 cartons of expired Tramadol, and 54 cartons of foreign soaps all confiscated during intensified anti-smuggling operations across major routes in Adamawa and Taraba States.

He stressed that the export of donkey hides is prohibited under the Export Prohibition List (Schedule 6) of the Common External Tariff and Section 150 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The Command, he added, is determined to enforce the ban to prevent the extinction of donkeys in Nigeria.

According to him, the donkey skin trade has surged due to high demand in China, where it is used for traditional medicine. He warned that continued illicit slaughter could decimate the country’s donkey population.

The seized expired Tramadol, intercepted in Mubi on August 30, will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action. Bashir warned that the distribution of expired drugs could lead to serious health consequences and fuel criminal activities among youths.

He further stated that the 20,600 litres of seized petrol would be auctioned in accordance with customs regulations, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.

Bashir attributed the Command’s recent success to improved intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and strong engagement with border communities.