The Nigeria Customs Service has called for investigations to identify and dismantle wildlife trafficking syndicates after rescuing five live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The animals were intercepted at about 1.18am on Friday, October 23, along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of the state following intelligence about the suspected movement of endangered wildlife.
The latest seizure by the Customs Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, comes amid separate wildlife interceptions within a period of about seven days, prompting calls for wider investigations into those behind the illegal trade.
The unit’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the patrol team found the pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner intended to evade detection.
He said the suspected traffickers abandoned the animals and fled when they sighted Customs officers.
The rescued pangolins were subsequently handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
The Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, conducted the handover on behalf of the Acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Oguntuase said the interceptions within a short period highlighted the need for extensive investigations to identify and dismantle the syndicates responsible for moving endangered species illegally.
He said the operation reflected the Service’s renewed commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, protecting endangered species and enforcing Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES, and the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
Oguntuase explained that pangolins are listed under Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international commercial trade in wild-caught pangolins and their derivatives. He added that 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,” he said.
He added that the unit would sustain intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with conservation agencies and other relevant stakeholders, and ensure that rescued animals received the care they needed.
Oguntuase warned that anyone involved in wildlife trafficking would face the full weight of the law.
The Service also reaffirmed that protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity was a national responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation partners and members of the public.
Receiving the animals, a representative of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre, Dr Austin Tochukwu, commended Customs for its vigilance and prompt intervention.
He assured the Service that the organisation would provide the necessary care, rehabilitate the pangolins and work towards their eventual release into a safe, protected environment.
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