Nigerian Wildlife Trafficker Arrested: Smuggler Caught With Over 300 Exotic Bird Heads & Gorilla Parts

A shocking discovery was recently made during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station in Cross River State, which links Nigeria and Cameroon. The Area Controller of Nigeria Customs, Chief Ogbonna, and his team, intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon, uncovering an illegal wildlife trafficking operation.

The traveler, identified as Abubakar, was found smuggling an alarming assortment of wildlife parts, including “213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet,” according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The WCS was called upon to help identify the wildlife species and confirmed that the trade of gorillas, parrots, hornbills, and eagles is prohibited by both Nigerian law and international law.

“This arrest underscores the need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties for wildlife crimes to act as a more effective deterrent. WCS provides ongoing support to the Customs Service to help tackle illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria. Since 2020, WCS has trained more than 100 Customs staff across Nigeria to raise awareness of the threat due to the illegal wildlife trade. Working with Customs, WCS has also provided 10 secure storage facilities across the country for the storage of seized wildlife items, ensuring proper handling of confiscated materials,” according to a statement by the WCS.

In a press briefing in Calabar, Nigeria, Comptroller Ogbonna emphasized the severity of the violations, pointing out that these seized wildlife parts breached both international laws and the NCS Act 2023, which strictly prohibits the trade of endangered species without the necessary permits. “On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station, my officers intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon,” Ogbonna stated, highlighting the determined and proactive efforts of his customs team.

Customs Chief Ogbonna further highlighted the broader implications of the illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing that it “threatens Nigeria’s biodiversity and contributes to crime, economic instability, and public safety risks.”

“We commend the Cross River Command of the Nigeria Customs Service for this bold action and urge the public to stand firm against the illegal wildlife trade. Every seized item represents a tragic loss for nature, but with collective efforts, we can protect our incredible wildlife from extinction,” said WCS.

This recent wildlife trafficking arrest highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against this illicit trade. Only by joining forces can the authorities, conservationists, and the public make significant strides in safeguarding our natural world and ensuring the protection of vulnerable and endangered species for future generations to come.