The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted three live pangolins in Ogun State, highlighting the ongoing illegal trade of one of the world's most trafficked mammals. The pangolins were seized by officers of the Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, at Abeokuta waterside, following credible intelligence. The animals were found confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed inside sacks in an attempt to evade detection. The suspected traffickers fled after sighting the Customs patrol team.
According to Chado Zakari, spokesperson for the Ogun I Area Command, the pangolins were tightly bound in sacks, a cruel method of concealment used by wildlife traffickers to evade detection. The packaging suggested that the seizure may be connected to an organised wildlife-trafficking operation. The command's Acting Customs Area Controller, Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handed the pangolins over to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
The seizure demonstrates the command's commitment to combating wildlife trafficking alongside its conventional anti-smuggling operations. Mr Ibrahim warned people involved in the illegal wildlife trade to desist, citing severe penalties under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill. Offenders risk fines of up to A12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years. The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Finger Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation's biodiversity.
The pangolins were given the highest level of protection against international commercial trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I. Nigeria's existing wildlife legislation separately prohibits the hunting, capture or trade of pangolins listed under the Endangered Species Act. In March, the Federal High Court in Lagos jailed two men after pleading guilty to charges involving the unlawful possession and trade of three live pangolins.
Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation will provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolins and work towards their rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected environment. The Administrative Manager/Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation, Isaac Ime, commended the Customs command for intercepting the animals. The organisation will ensure the pangolins receive proper care and attention.
Researchers have identified Nigeria as a major transit hub for pangolin trafficking, with Nigerian-linked seizures involving hundreds of thousands of kilogrammes of pangolin scales over the years. The seizure comes amid growing concern over Nigeria's role in the international trafficking of pangolin products. The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with conservation organisations, remains committed to tackling the illegal wildlife trade.
The Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act places pangolin species listed in its schedules under legal protection, prohibiting the hunting, capture and trade of species listed in its First Schedule. NESREA warned in March 2026 that individuals cannot possess, display or trade endangered wildlife specimens on social media, listing pangolins among the species affected by the prohibition. The agency's enforcement covers the possession and display of endangered wildlife specimens and products.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service seized three live pangolins in Ogun State, foiling a suspected wildlife-trafficking operation.
- The pangolins were concealed in sacks and wire-mesh cages in an attempt to evade detection.
- The seizure demonstrates the command's commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, with severe penalties for offenders under the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.
