The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A', has intercepted four live pangolins in Ajilete creeks.
The operatives stopped a wooden boat conveying the endangered animals, which were found confined in wire mesh cages, indicating an organized smuggling operation.
The pangolins were seized on January 15, 2026, at approximately 6:33 p.m. after a targeted nighttime patrol along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
The suspects abandoned the boat and the animals and fled into the creeks upon spotting the patrol team.
To ensure the animals’ welfare, the seized endangered species were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping on January 16, 2026, at 07:00 hours. Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC AO Oguntuase, performed the handover on behalf of the Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, praised the officers for their dedication to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This seizure is part of the NCS’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species. The NCS has been working with international partners to strengthen law enforcement and intelligence gathering to prevent wildlife trafficking.
The Comptroller further reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to eradicate the trafficking of endangered species.
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