The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted three live pangolins allegedly abandoned by suspected smugglers in Ogun Waterside, Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Idiroko.
Zakari said the seizure demonstrated the NCS’s commitment to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and combating illegal wildlife trafficking.
He explained that Customs operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the endangered animals after suspected traffickers abandoned them and fled upon sighting the patrol team.
According to him, the pangolins were tightly concealed in sacks, with officers discovering three of the animals confined in wire-mesh cages inside one of the sacks.
He said the elaborate method of concealment indicated the possible involvement of an organized wildlife trafficking syndicate.
“To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned the endangered species and fled,” Zakari quoted the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, as saying.
Ibrahim said the seized pangolins were subsequently handed over to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat, in line with inter-agency collaboration and the mandate to ensure rescued wildlife receives proper care.
He noted that pangolins are protected under Nigerian law, including the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
Ibrahim added that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties, with offenders liable to fines of up to N12 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.
He said the NCS, in collaboration with Green Finger Wildlife Conservation and other stakeholders, remained committed to enforcing the law and protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity.
“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations.
“We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade of endangered species,” he said.
Receiving the animals, the Admin Manager/Supervisor of Green Finger Wildlife Conservation, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Customs Command for its vigilance and swift response.
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Ime highlighted the critical role of the NCS in combating illegal wildlife trade and assured that the conservation center would provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolins.
The Acting Area Controller also warned smugglers and traffickers dealing in endangered wildlife to desist from the illegal practice.
He said the command remained “battle-ready” and fully equipped to track down and apprehend individuals involved in activities that undermine wildlife protection laws.
, Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted three live pangolins allegedly abandoned by suspected smugglers in Ogun Waterside, Ogun State.){kind=link}