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Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, have intercepted four live pangolins in a major operation aimed at curbing wildlife trafficking and strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The interception occurred at about 6:33 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026, when Customs officers, acting on credible intelligence, stopped a wooden boat navigating the Alapa Creek in the Ajilete axis. The patrol team discovered four live pangolins confined in wire mesh cages, indicating an organised attempt to smuggle the endangered species.
According to the Service, the suspects fled into the creeks upon sighting the officers, abandoning both the boat and the animals.
To ensure their safety and survival, the rescued pangolins were formally handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on Friday, January 16, 2026, at about 7:00 am. The handover was carried out by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC A.O. Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller, FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
Commending the officers involved, Comptroller Aliyu praised their courage, professionalism, and operational alertness, particularly during the nighttime patrol. He urged personnel to sustain the momentum in combating trans-border crimes, including wildlife trafficking.
He further reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to the strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species.
At the national level, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, also lauded the officers for their dedication to enforcing CITES regulations.
The Customs boss noted that the successful interception underscores the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against individuals and syndicates undermining Nigeria’s environmental obligations and economic stability.
This information was disseminated via a press statement signed by the Customs FOU Zone A Public Relations Officer, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi.
