Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Intercepts Three Live Pangolins, Foils Wildlife Trafficking Attempt In Ogun
Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Intercepts Three Live Pangolins, Foils Wildlife Trafficking Attempt In Ogun
By Success Okezie
In a major breakthrough against wildlife trafficking, operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted three live pangolins during a coordinated anti-smuggling operation along Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora in Ogun State.
The seizure, which was effected on Monday, October 12, 2026, at about 0905hrs, followed credible intelligence received by officers of the Unit on the movement of suspected wildlife traffickers within the area.
According to a press statement issued by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hussaini Abdullahi, officers on patrol intercepted a sack containing the endangered animals carefully concealed in a wire mesh cage. On sighting the Customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swampy terrain, abandoning the animals.
Reacting to the interception, the Acting Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, described the operation as a significant milestone in the Service’s sustained onslaught against wildlife trafficking, smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime.
DC Afeni, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the operatives for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response, noting that the feat underscores the Unit’s unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and dismantle criminal networks exploiting the nation’s borders and waterways for illicit trade.
He reiterated that pangolins remain protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), adding that illegal trade in the species poses a grave threat to wildlife conservation and global ecological balance.
The Customs boss warned that individuals involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species risk arrest, prosecution and severe penalties under extant Nigerian laws.
To ensure their safety and welfare, the three rescued pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and proper management in line with best conservation practices.
DC Afeni further warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities, stressing that FOU Zone ‘A’ will 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, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD psc(+), and the entire Service to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts aimed at combating illegal wildlife trade.
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