Ogun 1 Customs Intercepts 3 Live Pangolins In Daring Anti-Smuggling Operation
Ogun 1 Customs Intercepts 3 Live Pangolins In Daring Anti-Smuggling Operation
… Hands over endangered species to wildlife conservators; warns traffickers of N12m fine, 10-year jail term.
By Success Okezie
In a major victory for wildlife conservation and border security, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, have intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at the Abeokuta waterside, dealing a heavy blow to illegal wildlife traffickers.
The high-stakes patrol operation, which was executed on the strength of credible intelligence, underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, and Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Chado Zakari, the patrol team swooped on suspected smugglers who, upon sighting Customs operatives, abandoned their illicit consignment and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
Upon inspection, officers discovered three live pangolins tightly bound and confined in wire mesh cages concealed inside a sack — a cruel and sophisticated method of concealment often employed by organised wildlife smuggling syndicates.
In line with its inter-agency collaboration mandate and commitment to animal welfare, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, has officially handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, Deputy Comptroller Ibrahim disclosed that pangolins are listed as endangered species under Nigerian law and are protected by the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
He warned that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives now attracts severe penalties, noting that under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to N12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Fingers Wildlife and other critical stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity,” he stated.
“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operation. We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species,” Ibrahim added.
Receiving the endangered animals, the Admin Manager/Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Mr. Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Ogun I Command for its vigilance and swift response.
He emphasised the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against illegal wildlife trade and assured that the organisation would provide intensive care for the rescued pangolins before reintroducing them into the wild.
Meanwhile, Deputy Comptroller Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to desist from the illicit trade, stressing that the Command remains “battle-ready” and fully equipped to track down, apprehend and prosecute anyone undermining the law.
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