The Federal Operations Unit (Zone C) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo State, has destroyed 1,015 sacks of dried donkey meat and skin.
A statement by the zone’s spokesperson, Jerry Attah, said the contraband was seized between July 15 and September 15, 2024.
Attah said destruction of the contraband was witnessed by representatives of other regulatory agencies.
He said that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), prohibits the trade in donkeys.
“The National Council on Agricultural and Rural Development in 2017 has also banned the large-scale slaughter of donkeys in the country to prevent their extinction.
‘But as you may be aware, donkey parts are highly valued in Asia, particularly in China, where they are used for consumption and medical purposes.
“We cannot afford to lose our donkeys on the altar of illicit exports, especially considering their economic importance for agricultural purposes,” he said.
Attah quoted the Customs Comptroller, Michael Ugbagu, as warning smugglers that officers would remain vigilant to ensure conservation of wildlife across the country.