Customs Foils Wildlife Trafficking, Intercepts 3 Live Pangolins In Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, has intercepted three live pangolins in Ogun State, foiling an attempt to traffic the endangered animals and reinforcing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.

The pangolins were intercepted on Monday, October 12, 2026, at about 9:05 a.m. during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation along Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.

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According to the Service, its operatives intercepted a sack containing the animals concealed in a wire-mesh cage. The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp upon sighting the Customs patrol team.

The acting comptroller of FOU Zone A, deputy comptroller Oladapo Afeni, described the interception as a significant milestone in the Service’s sustained campaign against wildlife trafficking, smuggling and other transnational organised crimes.

Afeni who was represented by the deputy comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the officers for their vigilance and prompt response, noting that the operation demonstrated the Unit’s determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways.

Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with illegal trade posing a serious threat to their survival and wildlife conservation efforts.

The Customs Service warned that individuals involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species risk prosecution and severe penalties under applicable 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 appropriate management.

Afeni warned smugglers and their collaborators that FOU Zone A would 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, to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.