Nigeria Customs Rescues Pangolins, Warns Traffickers

The Nigeria Customs Service conducted an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation on October 23, rescuing five live pangolins in Ogun State at approximately 1:18 a.m. The pangolins were found confined in wire-mesh cages, concealed to evade detection, while the suspected traffickers fled upon seeing officers from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A. This interception is part of a series of wildlife seizures occurring within a week, leading to calls for investigations to dismantle trafficking networks.

Oluwaseun Oguntuase, Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, stated that the Customs Service would continue intelligence-driven operations and enhance collaboration with conservation agencies to combat wildlife trafficking. He warned that offenders would face severe legal consequences, reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and national wildlife protection laws.

The rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.