Susan Abayomi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has intercepted five live pangolins in Ogun State during an intelligence-led operation targeting the illegal trade in endangered wildlife.
The operation took place at about 1:18 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State, following intelligence reports concerning the movement of protected wildlife.
According to the Service, the pangolins were discovered confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner intended to evade detection. The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the animals and fled upon sighting the Customs patrol team.
Following the interception, the rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for proper care, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
The handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Speaking during the handover, Oguntuase said the latest interception, coming barely a week after a similar operation, highlighted the need for sustained investigations to identify and dismantle the networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting endangered species and enforcing Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as relevant national legislation.
Oguntuase noted that pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, warning that the Customs Service would continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations against individuals involved in the illegal movement of protected wildlife.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and conservation organisations in tackling wildlife trafficking and ensuring that rescued animals receive appropriate care.
Receiving the animals, Dr Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and timely intervention.
He assured the Service that the centre would provide the pangolins with the necessary care and work towards their rehabilitation before their eventual release into a safe, protected environment.
The interception underscores continuing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat wildlife trafficking and safeguard the country’s biodiversity.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated the importance of sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation groups and members of the public in protecting endangered species and preventing the illegal exploitation of wildlife resources.
