Ogun: Suspected wildlife traffickers abandon five Pangolins as Customs closes in

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has rescued five live pangolins from suspected wildlife traffickers along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State.

The animals were intercepted at about 1:18 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, during an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation targeting the illegal movement of endangered wildlife.

According to the Service, the patrol team discovered the pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in an attempt to evade detection. The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the animals and fled upon sighting the 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 handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.

Speaking during the exercise, Oguntuase said the interception of wildlife consignments within a short period underscored the need for intensified efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

He reaffirmed the NCS’s 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 (CITES), as well as relevant provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

“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,” Oguntuase said.

He added that FOU Zone A would sustain intelligence-driven operations and strengthen collaboration with conservation organisations to prevent the illegal exploitation and movement of protected wildlife.

Receiving the animals, Dr Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to wildlife protection.

He assured that the rescued pangolins would receive appropriate care and rehabilitation before their eventual release into a safe environment.

The latest interception underscores the continuing challenge of illegal wildlife trafficking and the importance of coordinated action by enforcement agencies and conservation partners to protect endangered species.

The NCS reiterated that safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity requires sustained cooperation among government agencies, conservation organisations and members of the public.

The Service also urged continued vigilance and support for efforts to prevent the illegal capture, transportation and trade of protected wildlife.