Ogun Customs rescues three live pangolins, foils wildlife trafficking

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rescued three live pangolins abandoned by suspected wildlife smugglers at Abeokuta Waterside, in a major operation against illegal wildlife trafficking.

The endangered animals were intercepted by Customs operatives during a patrol operation following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected wildlife traffickers operating in the area.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the suspects fled and abandoned the animals after sighting the Customs patrol team.

The three pangolins were discovered tightly confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed inside sacks, a method believed to have been adopted by the traffickers to evade detection and security checks.

The rescue, according to the Command, highlights the continued activities of criminal networks involved in the illegal trade in endangered wildlife.

Following the interception, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, formally handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ibrahim said pangolins are endangered species protected under Nigerian law, including the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.

He warned that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe sanctions, noting that under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders face fines of up to N12 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Finger Wildlife Conservation and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity,” he said.

The Acting Controller commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage, vigilance and professionalism, stressing that the Command would sustain its efforts against trans-border crime.

“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operation. We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species,” Ibrahim said.

Receiving the rescued animals on behalf of Green Finger Wildlife Conservation, the organisation’s Admin Manager and Supervisor, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Customs Command for its vigilance and prompt intervention.

Ime acknowledged the critical role of the NCS in combating illegal wildlife trafficking and assured that the three pangolins would receive appropriate care and rehabilitation before being released into a suitable protected habitat.

Ibrahim also issued a fresh warning to smugglers and traffickers dealing in endangered wildlife, urging them to abandon the illicit trade or face the full weight of the law.

He said the Command remained prepared to identify, track and apprehend individuals and syndicates involved in wildlife trafficking and other forms of trans-border crime.

The release further stated that the rescue reinforces the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and supporting the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as part of efforts to curb the illegal movement of endangered species across the country’s borders.