The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted three live pangolins at the Abeokuta waterside in a major breakthrough against wildlife trafficking and trans-border crime.
The endangered species were rescued by operatives of the Command during a high-stakes patrol operation, following credible intelligence on the activities of wildlife smugglers in the area.
According to the statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSC Chado Zakari, gathered that the smugglers, upon sighting Customs patrol team, abandoned the animals and fled to evade arrest.
The pangolins were found tightly bound and concealed in sacks, a cruel method often used by wildlife traffickers to beat security checks.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the three pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and hidden inside a sack, an indication of the involvement of an organized smuggling syndicate.
In line with inter-agency collaboration and its mandate to ensure proper care for rescued wildlife, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, has formally handed over the seized pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony on Wednesday, Deputy Comptroller Ibrahim disclosed that pangolins are listed as endangered species under Nigerian law and are protected by the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
He warned that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties, noting that under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to N12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Finger Wildlife Conservation and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity,” he said.
Ibrahim commended his officers for their courage and professionalism during the covert operation.
“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operation. We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species,” he stated.
Receiving the animals, the Admin Manager and Supervisor of Green Finger Wildlife Conservation, Mr. Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Ogun I Command for its vigilance and swift action.
He emphasized the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against illegal wildlife trade and assured that the organization would provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolins and ensure their proper rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Comptroller Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to desist from the illicit trade, stressing that the Command remains battle-ready and fully equipped to track down and apprehend anyone undermining the law.
The operation underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and its determination to stamp out wildlife trafficking across Nigeria’s borders.
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