The illegal trafficking of the species poses a serious threat to wildlife conservation and biodiversity, making sustained enforcement and public awareness essential to preventing further losses
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, has rescued three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State, warning wildlife traffickers to desist from the illegal trade.
The endangered animals were intercepted on Monday, October 12, 2026, along Oyo Dam in Igbo Ora, following an intelligence-led operation by Customs officers.
According to the Service, the pangolins were discovered concealed in a wire mesh cage inside a sack. The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the consignment and fled into a nearby swamp after sighting the patrol team.
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the officers for their vigilance and prompt response.
Afeni described the interception as a significant achievement in the Service’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and organised smuggling, noting that the operation demonstrated the Unit’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupting criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways.
He stressed that pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that regulates trade in endangered animals and plants.
According to him, the illegal trafficking of the species poses a serious threat to wildlife conservation and biodiversity, making sustained enforcement and public awareness essential to preventing further losses.
The Customs official disclosed that the three rescued pangolins had been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate care.
He warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal wildlife trade to abandon the practice, stressing that the Service would continue to strengthen its operations against smugglers.
“FOU Zone ‘A’ will continue to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration to protect endangered species and combat illegal wildlife trade,” he said.
The interception underscores the role of intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement in combating wildlife trafficking, which threatens endangered species and undermines conservation efforts.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its determination to sustain anti-smuggling operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant agencies to prevent the illegal exploitation and movement of protected wildlife across the country.
The Service also urged members of the public to support efforts to protect endangered species by providing credible information on suspected wildlife trafficking activities to the appropriate authorities.