Again, Customs Rescues Five Pangolins In Fresh Wildlife Bust

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has rescued five live pangolins in Ogun State, raising concerns over the continued trafficking of endangered wildlife.

In a statement by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Husseini Abdullahi, on Friday, the animals were intercepted at about 1:18am on Friday, October 23, 2026, along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State during an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation.

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The latest interception comes after another wildlife seizure within a period of about seven days, prompting Customs to call for an extensive investigation to identify and dismantle the syndicates behind the illegal trade.

According to the Service, the pangolins were found confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner intended to evade detection. The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the animals and fled upon sighting the Customs patrol team.

The rescued pangolins were subsequently 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 FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.

Speaking during the handover, Oguntuase said the repeated interceptions highlighted the need for further investigation into the illegal movement of endangered species.

He said the Service remained committed to combating wildlife trafficking and enforcing 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 listed under Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international commercial trade in wild-caught specimens and their derivatives, subject to the convention’s applicable provisions. Nigeria’s endangered species legislation also provides protections against the illegal hunting, capture and trade of protected wildlife.

“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 and strengthen collaboration with conservation agencies and other relevant stakeholders to curb wildlife trafficking.

“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 Customs for its vigilance and prompt intervention.

He assured that the organisation would provide the necessary care for the pangolins and work towards their rehabilitation and eventual release into a safe, protected environment.

The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity, noting that sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation organisations and citizens was necessary to combat the illegal wildlife trade.