The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, of the the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation at Oyo Dam, Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.
The was contained in a statement signed by Hussaini Abdullahi, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer of FOU Zone ‘A’.
The endangered animals were intercepted on Monday, October 12, 2026, at about 9:05 a.m., following credible intelligence received by officers of the unit.
According to the statement, the pangolins were found inside a sack and concealed in a wire-mesh cage. The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the consignment and fled into a nearby swamp upon sighting the Customs patrol team.
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, described the interception as a significant step in the Service’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, smuggling and other transnational organised crimes.
He commended the officers for their vigilance and prompt response, noting that the operation demonstrated the unit’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupting criminal networks involved in illegal wildlife trade.
Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered wildlife.
Afeni warned that the illegal smuggling, possession, transportation and commercialisation of protected species could attract prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
To ensure their safety and welfare, the three rescued pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management.
Afeni warned smugglers and their collaborators that the unit would intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with relevant agencies across its area of responsibility.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
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