The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rescued three live pangolins from suspected wildlife traffickers during an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation in its Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja.
The endangered animals were found on Monday morning inside a sack concealed in a wire mesh cage, according to a statement issued by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi.
Abdullahi said the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and escaped into a nearby swamp when they sighted the Customs patrol team.
“Upon sighting the Customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp, leaving behind the animals,” he said.
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Oladapo Afeni, described the interception as a significant step in the Service’s efforts to curb wildlife trafficking and other organised crimes.
Afeni, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the officers for their vigilance and swift response.
He said the operation demonstrated the unit’s resolve to “protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways”.
The three pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate care.
Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which regulates international trade in threatened wildlife. Illegal trafficking remains a major threat to their survival.
The Customs Service warned that anyone involved in the illegal possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species could face prosecution and penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
Afeni said the unit would sustain intelligence-led operations, patrols and collaboration with other agencies to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
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