THE NIGERIAN SERIES, DAY 6 & 7
KANO
The Hyena Man & Nigerian Fight Club. Today we left Maiduguri and headed to Kano for an experience I still can’t quite believe happened.
“Only in Nigeria could you have a pet hyena.”
Maiduguri was a surprise and an experience but Kano offers something completely unique.
ARRIVING IN KANO
Once we landed and checked in, we headed straight out of town to meet the Hyena Man — a local who owns a pet hyena and two cobras.
The Hyena Man & Nigerian Fight Club
THE SNAKE SHOW
I have seen many hyenas during my African safaris and I know the damage they can do but here was on a leash being walked towards me.
But first we got a closer look at the snakes, two huge cobras. To show the damage one can do, he had it bite a bag of water — shredding it with countless holes. Apparently, it’s “no problem” if you get bitten because he has the remedy in his back pocket. I wasn’t convinced.
After chasing a few of the younger locals around with the snake (good to see they’re still scared), it was time for the main event — the hyena.
The Hyena Man & Nigerian Fight Club
FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE HYENA
The man claimed he caught the hyena himself, alone in the bush — something only possible when hyenas are separated from their pack. Normally, they either hunt in groups or scavenge whatever’s already dead. Not exactly cuddly creatures. But here it was just a few feet away from me.
I was asked countless times to come over and sit on its back. It’s a powerful animal and can take a man on its back no problem but when something is as out of my control as a Hyena I don’t see the point in taking any risks.
The Hyena Man & Nigerian Fight Club
RELATED READ: BEING ATTACKED BY A MAN WITH A SNAKE
BRUTAL
At times, the hyena would lie down and chill. Other times, it would get scared and freak out and pull away needing to be restrained. As dangerous as the animal was, I couldn’t enjoy or accept what I was seeing. I always appreciate different cultures, but this one pushed it too far for me.
Eventually, they took the muzzle off — which really cranked up the tension. They asked me to come in for a photo, but honestly, after everything I’d just watched, I was done. It was a bizarre experience: up close with a wild animal, feeling nothing but fear, intimidation, and a heavy dose of discomfort.
The Hyena Man & Nigerian Fight Club
FACTS ABOUT HYENA MAN:
- In parts of Nigeria, hyenas and snakes are kept as exotic pets and used for street performances.
- Kano is located in northern Nigeria, historically considered one of the most dangerous areas due to Boko Haram’s activity.
- Despite its challenges, Nigeria ranks among Africa’s largest economies
NIGERIA FIGHT CLUB
Next, we made our way to the local boxing ground — a kind of Nigerian Fight Club where bareknuckle battles happen almost every night.
BAREKNUCKLE
Here locals come to fight other groups and tribes for as little as $2 per night. The setup was raw but intense: a ring in the middle on top of the stage, surrounded by rickety stands packed to the rafters.
Fighters are required to wrap just one hand in a rough, sharp rope-like material, no doubt increasing the chances of cuts and wounds. Not a place I would like to have a cut. The fights were brutal — even the juniors threw punches with serious intent and by the later rounds, we were seeing knockouts and bloodied faces.
SCARS OF A FIGHTER
I got talking to one of the fighters who was waiting his turn. He proudly showed me his battle damage: deep cuts, scars, and a finger that had clearly been dislocated long ago but never properly healed.
These guys aren’t just weekend warriors. They’re locked into this life for the long haul, fighting for pride, survival, and maybe a little bit of money.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Today felt like stepping into a different world — one where wild animals are tamed, fists settle disputes, and survival looks completely different.
Nigeria can’t do anything but give me insane experiences and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
172/229
NEXT UP
More of Kano, Nigeria’s Northern City. Click to read.
This post is part of the Nigerian Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
To see a different side of my trip head to my social channels; YouTube, Instagram & TikTok. Links at top of the page.
Question Time
- Would you get close to a wild hyena on a leash?
- Would you ever attend a bareknuckle fight in another country?
- What’s the most extreme or bizarre travel experience you’ve had?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
