The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has intercepted another consignment of five live pangolins during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State.
According to a press statement issued by Hussaini Abdullahi, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos. The seizure was carried out at about 1:18am on Friday, 23 October 2026, following credible intelligence on the suspected movement of endangered wildlife. Acting on the information, FOU ‘A’ patrol team intercepted the pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner clearly intended to evade detection. The suspected traffickers abandoned the animals and fled on sighting Customs officers.
In line with the Service’s commitment to the welfare of rescued wildlife, the pangolins were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat. The handover was conducted 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 said the interception of wildlife consignments within a period of about seven days in a separate operations underscored the need for extensive investigation to identify and dismantle the smuggling syndicates behind the illicit movement of endangered species.
He said the operation also reflected the Service’s renewed resolve to combat wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act. Pangolins are protected under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits international commercial trade in wild-caught pangolins and their derivatives, while Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act prohibits 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 said.
He added that FOU Zone ‘A’ would sustain intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with conservation agencies and other relevant stakeholders, and ensure that rescued animals receive the care they require.
“Those who engage in wildlife trafficking will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Receiving the animals, Dr. Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and prompt intervention. He assured that the organisation would provide the necessary care and work towards the rehabilitation and eventual release of the pangolins into a safe, protected environment.
The Service reaffirmed that the protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity remains a national responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation partners and citizens.