Nigeria Customs: 3 Live Pangolins Intercepted In Trafficking Bust

• The Nigeria Customs Service FOU Zone ‘A’ intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation.
• Suspected traffickers abandoned the endangered animals and fled when confronted by Customs officers.
• Customs officials declared the interception a significant milestone in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
• Pangolins are protected under CITES, and illegal trade carries severe penalties under Nigerian law.
• The rescued pangolins were transferred to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for care and rehabilitation.

This incident signals a clear escalation in enforcement activities by the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly targeting the illegal trade of CITES-protected species like pangolins.

The Nigeria Customs Service, specifically its Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, recently confirmed the interception of three live pangolins. This discovery occurred during an anti-smuggling operation conducted within the unit's designated zone on a Monday morning. Acting on credible intelligence, Customs officers located a sack containing the endangered animals, which had been concealed within a wire mesh cage.

Upon encountering the Customs patrol team, the individuals suspected of trafficking the pangolins abandoned their illicit consignment and fled into a nearby swamp, evading immediate capture. Hussaini Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer for the command, officially disclosed these details in a statement, highlighting the successful operation by the Nigeria Customs Service FOU Zone A.

Acting Comptroller Oladapo Afeni characterized this interception as a pivotal achievement in the Service’s ongoing campaign against wildlife trafficking, smuggling, and other forms of transnational organized crime. Deputy Comptroller Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who leads Enforcement at FOU Zone ‘A’, represented Afeni and commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift action.

Afeni further underscored the unit's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and dismantling criminal networks that exploit the nation's borders and waterways. He issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, affirming that FOU Zone ‘A’ intends to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and inter-agency collaboration across its entire area of responsibility. This resolve aligns with the broader commitment of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and the Service to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect endangered species, and bolster national and international efforts against the Nigeria illegal wildlife trade enforcement.

Pangolins are globally recognized as species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES Nigeria endangered species), making their illegal trade a severe threat to global wildlife conservation. The Nigeria Customs Service has consistently reiterated that individuals found involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation, or commercialization of such endangered species face prosecution and severe wildlife trafficking penalties Nigeria under applicable Nigerian laws.

Following their rescue, the three live pangolins were promptly transferred to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre. This action ensures their immediate safety and welfare, providing them with essential safekeeping, rehabilitation, and appropriate management, thereby reinforcing pangolin protection Nigeria law.

This incident signals a clear escalation in enforcement activities by the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly targeting the illegal trade of CITES-protected species like pangolins. The proactive measures taken by the Nigeria Customs Service FOU Zone A, including intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration, demonstrate a robust strategy to combat these illicit activities.

The explicit warnings from Customs officials about severe penalties for involvement in the illegal wildlife trade underscore the critical importance of stringent compliance for all entities operating within logistics, import/export, and related sectors in Nigeria. This sustained focus on disrupting criminal networks and protecting national biodiversity highlights the broader implications for national security and international conservation commitments, emphasizing the heightened risks associated with any involvement in the illegal wildlife trade.

This incident signals increased enforcement by the Nigeria Customs Service against illegal wildlife trafficking, particularly for CITES-protected species like pangolins. Lawyers advising clients in logistics, import/export, or related sectors in Nigeria should ensure robust compliance checks to mitigate risks of severe penalties associated with involvement in the illegal wildlife trade.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Metro Plus