In a first major global seizure of its kind in 2025, the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 3,765kg pangolin scales in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Speaking to journalists, the Customs Area Controller, MMA command, Micheal Awe, said the operation, which was with the support of the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), led to the arrest of five suspects involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
According to the Customs boss, the 3,765kg pangolin scale seizures mark the first major global seizure of its kind in 2025.
He argued that the seizure highlighted both the persistent threat to pangolin species and the heightened vigilance of the NCS in dismantling these criminal networks.
He also disclosed that the current seizure raised the total amount of pangolin scales seized through the joint efforts of the NCS and WJC to over 25 tons since the start of the collaboration in 2021.
“On the 2nd of April 2025, the NCS MMA Command under the leadership of Comptroller Micheal AWE, with the support of the WJC, conducted 2 major operations that resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales in the Lekki area of Lagos.
“NCS has been continuing investigations into organized criminal networks trafficking in endangered wildlife and exporting wildlife products to Asia.
This operation followed a recent bust of a major trafficking network in Nigeria that resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national Zheng Chao Hong, also known as Zheng Gao Peng, in February 2025 by the joint efforts of the Customs Police Unit and WJC.
“This seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales marks the first major global seizure of its kind in 2025, highlighting both the persistent threat to pangolin species and the heightened vigilance of the NCS in dismantling these criminal networks. Additionally, it raises the total amount of pangolin scales seized through the joint efforts of the NCS and WJC to over 25 tons since the start of the collaboration in 2021.”
Additionally, the Customs boss expressed his appreciation for the partnership with WJC, saying the service will not relent in its efforts in fighting wildlife crime to a standstill.
He stated that the service won’t tolerate wildlife trafficking anywhere either through the Airports, Seaports, Land borders or even within the community.
“Comptroller Awe reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi and the management team as he continues to encourage and give maximum support in facilitating legitimate trade whilst sending a strong signal that the service will equally not relent in its efforts in fighting wildlife crime to a standstill.
“We won’t tolerate it anywhere, not through our Airports, Seaports, Land borders or even within the community. Investigations are ongoing, and NCS does not rule out making further arrests.”
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