By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has foiled suspected wildlife smuggling and rescued five live pangolins during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State.
The operation took place at about 1:18 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence about the suspected movement of endangered wildlife.
According to a statement signed by Hussaini Abdullahi, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer for the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, the patrol team intercepted the pangolins in wire-mesh cages concealed in a manner intended to evade detection.
The statement said the suspected traffickers abandoned the animals and fled after sighting Customs officers.
The unit subsequently handed over the rescued pangolins to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
The Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, conducted the handover on behalf of the Acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Speaking during the handover, Oguntuase said the interception of wildlife consignments in separate operations within about seven days underscored the need for extensive investigations to identify and dismantle the syndicates behind the illegal movement of endangered species.
He said the operation reflected the Service’s renewed determination to combat wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
Pangolins fall under Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international commercial trade in wild-caught pangolins and their derivatives. Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act also prohibits their hunting, capture and trade.
“Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals. This seizure is another clear warning to those involved in the illegal wildlife trade that Nigeria’s borders and transport corridors remain under active surveillance,” Oguntuase said.
He added that FOU Zone ‘A’ would sustain intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with conservation agencies and other relevant stakeholders, and ensure that rescued animals received the necessary care.
“Those who engage in wildlife trafficking will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Receiving the animals, Dr. Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and prompt intervention.
He assured the Service that the organisation would provide the necessary care for the pangolins and work towards their rehabilitation and eventual release into a safe, protected environment.
The Service reaffirmed that protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity remained a national responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation partners and citizens.
