Customs Intercepts Five Live Pangolins, Hands Over Endangered Species To Wildlife Centre In Ogun
Customs Intercepts Five Live Pangolins, Hands Over Endangered Species To Wildlife Centre In Ogun
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, has again struck a major blow against wildlife trafficking with the interception of five live pangolins during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State.
The seizure, which was disclosed by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, in a statement on Friday, was carried out at about 1:18 a.m. on October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence on the suspected movement of the endangered species.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, officers of the FOU ‘A’ patrol team intercepted the pangolins which were found confined in wire-mesh cages and cleverly concealed to evade detection. According to the Customs, the suspected traffickers, upon sighting the operatives, abandoned the animals and fled into the bush to escape arrest.
In line with global best practices for the welfare of rescued wildlife, the endangered animals were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
The handover was performed by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Speaking during the handover, Oguntuase described the interception — coming barely seven days after a similar operation — as a disturbing indication of an active syndicate involved in the illicit trade of endangered species, stressing the need for extensive investigation to dismantle the criminal network.
He reaffirmed the Service’s renewed commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity in line with the nation’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
Pangolins, which are listed under CITES Appendix I, are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, with international commercial trade in wild-caught specimens and their derivatives strictly prohibited. Similarly, Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act outlaws their hunting, capture and trade.
“Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals. This seizure is another clear warning to those involved in the illegal wildlife trade that Nigeria’s borders and transport corridors remain under active surveillance,” Oguntuase warned.
He added that FOU Zone ‘A’ will sustain intelligence-led operations, deepen collaboration with conservation agencies and other stakeholders, and ensure that all rescued animals receive adequate care.
“Those who engage in wildlife trafficking will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he vowed.
Receiving the animals, Dr. Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and swift intervention, assuring that the Centre would provide the necessary medical care, rehabilitation and eventual release of the pangolins into a safe, protected environment.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated that the protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity remains a collective national responsibility that requires sustained synergy among government agencies, conservation partners and well-meaning citizens
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