One of the recovered pangolins. Photo: Customs
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, said it had intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation within the zone.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Abdullahi said the interception took place on Monday morning when officers of the unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a sack conveying the endangered animals concealed in a wire mesh cage.
“Upon sighting the Customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp, leaving behind the animals,” Abdullahi said.
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Oladapo Afeni, described the interception as a significant milestone in the Service’s sustained campaign against wildlife trafficking, smuggling and other transnational organised crimes.
Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement at FOU Zone ‘A’, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the operatives for their vigilance and prompt response.
Afeni noted that the operation underscored the unit’s resolve to “protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways.”
Afeni warned smugglers and their collaborators that FOU Zone ‘A’ would continue to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration across its area of responsibility.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts against illegal wildlife trade.
Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and their illegal trade remains a serious threat to wildlife conservation.
The Service has reiterated that persons involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species risk prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
To guarantee their safety and welfare, the three rescued pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management.