Customs Intercepts 9.493kg Of Pangolin Scales, Largest Global Seizures In 4 Years

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced the interception of 9,493kg of pangolin scales in one of the largest wildlife crime busts in recent years.

This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed these developments at a press briefing held at the Customs Training College in Lagos as part of the service’s ongoing enforcement activities.

According to the Customs boss, the interception which was in collaboration with Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), was the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020,

“The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 kg of pangolin scales, leading to two arrests. The Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales and two additional arrests. Four persons were arrested in connection with these operations: two in Kano and two in Lagos. These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tonnes since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolins,” Adeniyi said.

This historic operation, conducted in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission, highlights the NCS’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal networks trafficking endangered species, particularly across Africa

The two coordinated operations, which took place on August 8, 2024, targeted criminal syndicates involved in the international trade of pangolin scales. In the Kano/Kaduna axis, officers successfully seized 2.293 tons of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects.

Simultaneously, a major haul of 7.2 tons of scales was recovered in Lagos, where two more suspects were apprehended. These illicit goods, sourced from other West African countries, were being stockpiled for shipment to buyers in Asia.

This joint operation marks the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020, underscoring the NCS’s critical role in combating wildlife crime. Since 2021, the NCS, in partnership with the Wildlife Justice Commission, has seized nearly 20 tons of pangolin scales, an equivalent of over 30,000 pangolins lost to illegal poaching and trade.

In a statement, the NCS vowed to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We are actively working with other law enforcement agencies to identify additional suspects involved in these cases. We will not rest until all those responsible for these heinous acts are apprehended and prosecuted,” said the NCS spokesperson.

The cumulative total of 9.493 tons of pangolin scales seized in a single day marks a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife crime and represents the largest pangolin scale seizure in one day worldwide since January 2020. This significant achievement is a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in wildlife conservation and its dedication to safeguarding endangered species.

The threat posed to pangolins and other endangered wildlife is unacceptable, and Nigeria is committed to collaborating with international partners to stop wildlife crime at its source.

As traffickers continue to exploit new smuggling routes, the NCS is expanding its enforcement operations beyond ports and major cities, focusing on supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas where illegal wildlife products frequently enter the country.

The NCS also expressed gratitude to the Wildlife Justice Commission for its consistent support over the past four years. “The Wildlife Justice Commission has been a vital partner in our efforts, and we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration as a model for dismantling transnational wildlife crime networks,” the spokesperson added.

This successful operation sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its natural heritage and the global effort to end the illegal wildlife trade.