The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside, in a major operation against the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife.
The seizure followed credible intelligence received by the command’s patrol team, which moved to the area and intercepted the animals after suspected smugglers abandoned them and fled on sighting the Customs operatives.
The pangolins were discovered concealed in sacks and confined in wire mesh cages. The manner in which the animals were packaged suggested an organised attempt to move them illegally while evading detection by security and law enforcement agencies.
Following the seizure, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handover, Ibrahim said pangolins are endangered wildlife species protected under Nigerian law and international conservation agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
He warned that the illegal trafficking of pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe sanctions under Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws. He also noted that the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill provides for substantial fines and prison terms for offenders.
Ibrahim said the Customs Service would continue to strengthen collaboration with wildlife conservation organisations and other relevant agencies to combat the illegal trade in endangered species and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the 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,” he said.
Receiving the animals on behalf of Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation, the organisation’s Admin Manager and Supervisor, Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Ogun I Command for its vigilance and swift intervention.
Ime stressed the important role of the Customs Service in combating illegal wildlife trafficking and assured that the rescued pangolins would receive the necessary care during rehabilitation before their eventual release into a suitable protected environment.
The Ogun I Command warned smugglers and wildlife traffickers to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that its officers remain fully prepared to identify, track and apprehend individuals and syndicates involved in the trafficking of endangered species.