The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone 'A', Ikeja, has intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation within the zone. According to the command's Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, the interception took place on Monday morning when officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept a sack conveying the endangered animals concealed in a wire mesh cage. The suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp upon sighting the Customs patrol team.
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone 'A', Oladapo Afeni, described the interception as a significant milestone in the Service's sustained campaign against wildlife trafficking, smuggling, and other transnational organised crimes. Afeni commended the operatives for their vigilance and prompt response, noting that the operation underscored the unit's resolve to protect Nigeria's biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country's borders and waterways.
The interception highlights the continued threat of wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, with pangolins being protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Service has reiterated that persons involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation, or commercialisation of endangered species risk prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
To guarantee the safety and welfare of the rescued pangolins, they have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation, and appropriate management. This move demonstrates the collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders in the conservation of endangered species.
The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to securing Nigeria's borders, protecting endangered species, and supporting national and international efforts against illegal wildlife trade. The Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, continues to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and inter-agency collaboration across its area of responsibility.
The operatives' success in intercepting the pangolins is a testament to their dedication and vigilance in the fight against wildlife trafficking. The Service has warned smugglers and their collaborators that FOU Zone 'A' will continue to intensify efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.
The rescued pangolins will receive proper care and rehabilitation at the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre, ensuring their safe return into the wild. The Nigeria Customs Service's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking demonstrate its commitment to protecting Nigeria's biodiversity and enforcing laws related to the conservation of endangered species.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation in Ikeja, highlighting the country's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
- The rescued pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation, and appropriate management.
- The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to securing Nigeria's borders, protecting endangered species, and supporting national and international efforts against illegal wildlife trade.
