Friday, October 9, 2026 -The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State.
The endangered animals were intercepted by a patrol team
acting on credible intelligence, while the suspected smugglers reportedly fled
after sighting the Customs operatives.
The pangolins were found confined in wire-mesh cages and
concealed inside sacks in an apparent attempt to evade detection, according to
the command.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy
Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement made
available to journalists on Thursday.
Zakari said, “The command patrol team, acting on credible
intelligence, intercepted the endangered animals abandoned by suspected
smugglers who fled upon sighting Customs operatives.
“The pangolins were found tightly bound in sacks, a cruel
method of concealment used by wildlife traffickers to evade detection.
“Upon inspection, officers discovered three pangolins
confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed within a sack. The sophisticated
packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate. To
evade arrest, the suspects abandoned the endangered species and fled.”
The command subsequently handed over the rescued pangolins
to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release
into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handover, the Acting Customs Area
Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, said
pangolins were endangered species protected under Nigerian law.
Ibrahim said trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives
attracts severe penalties under the Endangered Species (Control of
International Trade and Traffic) Act and other relevant legislation.
He said, “Trafficking pangolins and their derivatives
attracts severe penalties. Under the recently passed Endangered Species
Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to N12m and prison
terms of up to 10 years.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green
Fingers Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these
laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity.
“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and
professionalism throughout the covert operations. 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.”
Ibrahim warned smugglers and traffickers of endangered
wildlife to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that the command remained
“battle-ready” and equipped to track down and apprehend offenders.
Receiving the animals, the Administrative Manager and
Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Isaac Ime, commended the Customs command
for its vigilance and swift intervention.
Ime emphasised the critical role of the NCS in combating
illegal wildlife trade and assured that the organisation would provide the
necessary care for the rescued pangolins.
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