The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, has successfully foiled a wildlife trafficking attempt after intercepting three live pangolins at Oyo Dam in Igbo-Ora, Ogun State. The interception occurred on Monday, October 12, 2026, at about 9:05am, during an anti-smuggling operation. The suspected traffickers abandoned the endangered animals and fled into a nearby swamp after sighting Customs operatives.
According to the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, the interception was a significant milestone in the Service's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, smuggling, and transnational organised crime. The operation demonstrated the unit's determination to protect Nigeria's biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country's borders and waterways. Afeni commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift response.
The pangolins, protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), were concealed in a sack placed inside a wire-mesh cage. The animals were abandoned by the suspects, who escaped into the swamp. The interception followed credible intelligence received by officers of the unit. The Nigeria Customs Service warned that anyone involved in the illegal smuggling, possession, transportation, or commercialisation of endangered species risked prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
The three rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation, and appropriate management. This move ensures the animals receive the necessary care and attention. The centre will provide a safe haven for the pangolins, increasing their chances of survival. The collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in wildlife conservation.
Deputy Comptroller Oluwaseun Oguntuase, representing Afeni, emphasised the unit's commitment to intensifying patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and inter-agency collaboration across its area of responsibility. This proactive approach aims to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking. The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is dedicated to securing Nigeria's borders, protecting endangered species, and supporting national and international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
The foiled wildlife trafficking attempt is a significant achievement for the Nigeria Customs Service, demonstrating its effectiveness in enforcing laws and regulations related to wildlife conservation. The Service's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species are crucial in preserving Nigeria's biodiversity. The interception of the pangolins and the subsequent handover to a rehabilitation centre underscore the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and conservation organisations.
The Nigeria Customs Service's success in foiling the wildlife trafficking attempt highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. The Service's commitment to protecting endangered species and securing Nigeria's borders is unwavering. With the support of organisations like the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre, the Nigeria Customs Service is making a positive impact in the conservation of wildlife and the protection of the environment.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted three live pangolins at Oyo Dam in Ogun State, foiling a wildlife trafficking attempt.
- The pangolins were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
- The rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation, and appropriate management.
