Nigeria Customs Service Seizes Three Live Pangolins

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation on Monday morning. The interception occurred when officers, acting on credible intelligence, discovered a sack containing the endangered animals concealed in a wire mesh cage.

Upon noticing the Customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp. The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Oladapo Afeni, described the interception as a significant milestone in the Service’s ongoing campaign against wildlife trafficking and smuggling.

Afeni, represented by Deputy Comptroller Oluwaseun Oguntuase, praised the operatives for their vigilance. He emphasized the unit's commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupting criminal networks.

The three rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping and rehabilitation. The Customs Service reiterated that individuals involved in the illegal trade of endangered species face prosecution under Nigerian laws.