Image Alt Text: Nigeria Customs Service officers rescue three live pangolins intercepted during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
IGBO-ORA, Ogun State — Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, have intercepted three live pangolins during an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The interception occurred at about 9:05 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, along Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora, following intelligence about the movement of suspected wildlife traffickers in the area.
According to a statement issued by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, officers on patrol discovered the animals concealed inside a sack and confined in a wire-mesh cage.
The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the consignment and escaped into the surrounding swamp when they sighted the Customs patrol team.
The operation forms part of the Service’s efforts to tackle smuggling and the illegal trade in protected wildlife.
Customs Hands Rescued Pangolins To Conservation Centre
The three pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate care.
The transfer is intended to ensure the animals receive the attention required following their interception and confinement.
Pangolins are distinctive mammals covered in protective scales. They face serious threats from illegal hunting and trafficking, driven partly by demand for their scales and meat.
Their protection is important to biodiversity conservation, while the illegal wildlife trade can undermine efforts to preserve vulnerable animal populations.
The Customs operation prevented the suspected traffickers from taking the animals further along their intended route, although the Service has not announced any arrests linked to this particular interception.
Customs Vows To Intensify Anti-Trafficking Operations
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, described the interception as a significant step in the unit’s campaign against wildlife trafficking and other forms of organised smuggling.
Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the officers for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response.
He said the operation demonstrated the unit’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupting criminal networks involved in the illegal movement of wildlife.
The acting comptroller also warned that the smuggling, possession, transportation and commercialisation of protected species could attract prosecution and penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
He urged individuals involved in wildlife trafficking to desist, adding that the unit would continue intelligence-driven operations, patrols and collaboration with relevant agencies.
International Rules Protect Pangolins
Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in threatened wildlife to help ensure that such trade does not endanger the survival of species.
Combating illegal trafficking requires enforcement by relevant authorities, cooperation among agencies and appropriate care for rescued animals.
The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
The latest interception highlights the continuing challenge of wildlife trafficking and the role of intelligence-led enforcement in preventing protected animals from entering illegal trade networks.
