The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State. A patrol team acting on credible intelligence made the discovery, 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’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the pangolins were tightly bound in sacks, a cruel method of concealment used by wildlife traffickers to evade detection. The sophisticated packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate. The suspects abandoned the endangered species and fled upon sighting the Customs operatives.
The command subsequently handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, said pangolins were endangered species protected under Nigerian law. Trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties under the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act and other relevant legislation.
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. He said offenders risk fines of up to N12m and prison terms of up to 10 years under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.
The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Fingers Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity. The officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations, and the command remains steadfast in its vigilance against trans-border crime.
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.
The interception and rescue of the pangolins demonstrate the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to protecting endangered species and combating trans-border crime. The service’s efforts, in collaboration with stakeholders, aim to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species and preserve the nation’s biodiversity.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State.
- The pangolins were handed over to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
- Trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties under Nigerian law, including fines of up to N12m and prison terms of up to 10 years.
