Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, have intercepted two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano/Jigawa axis, as part of intensified enforcement against wildlife trafficking.
The interception occurred on March 12, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., when officers of the unit conducting a stop and search operation flagged down a vehicle during an enforcement patrol in the area.
During the inspection, the officers discovered the endangered animals concealed in the vehicle and immediately secured them in line with established enforcement procedures.
The seizure was carried out pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that regulates and restricts trade in wildlife species threatened with extinction.
Following the interception, the animals were placed in appropriate cages and transported to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna for further processing. Physical examination conducted by officials showed that each pangolin weighed approximately 15 kilograms.
The Comptroller of the unit,Comptroller Aminu Sule, has ordered a full scale investigation to determine the origin of the animals and their intended destination.
Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals in the world, largely due to the high demand for their scales and meat in illegal international markets.
The interception highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to combat illegal wildlife trade while enforcing environmental laws and international conservation agreements aimed at protecting endangered species.
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