In a renewed crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A has rescued five live pangolins, one of the world’s most endangered and trafficked mammals, from suspected smugglers along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State, barely seven days after a similar interception.
The seizure was carried out at about 1:18am on Friday, 23 October 2026, following credible intelligence on the suspected movement of endangered wildlife. Acting on the information, the FOU Zone A patrol team intercepted the animals which were confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner clearly intended to evade detection. The suspected traffickers abandoned the animals and fled on sighting Customs officers.
Disclosing this in a statement on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs
Hussaini Abdullahi, said the rescued pangolins have been formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat. According to the statement, the handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Speaking during the handover, Oguntuase said the interception of wildlife consignments within a period of about seven days in separate operations underscored the need for extensive investigation to identify and dismantle the smuggling syndicates behind the illicit movement of endangered species.
He said the operation also reflected the Service’s renewed resolve 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 are protected under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits international commercial trade in wild-caught pangolins and their derivatives, while Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act 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 receive the care they require.
“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 that the organisation would provide the necessary care and work towards the rehabilitation and eventual release of the pangolins into a safe, protected environment.
The Service reaffirmed that the protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity remains a national responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation partners and citizens.