Public Awareness Boosts Pangolin Conservation Efforts

Recent incidents in Kano and Akwa Ibom States demonstrate a growing public awareness and support for wildlife conservation efforts in Nigeria, particularly concerning pangolins. Prof. Innoc Barikor, the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), noted that citizens are increasingly willing to report and surrender protected species rather than sell them illegally.

In Akwa Ibom, local hunter Imo Etim discovered two pangolins trapped in a grass cutter set and recognized them as protected species. NESREA officials, led by Mfon Nkanang, subsequently transferred the rescued pangolins to the National Park Service.

In Kano, the Nigerian Customs Service intercepted two live pangolins suspected to be part of the illegal wildlife trade, with assistance from NESREA officials, including Ismaila Thoulut Anamoh. The rescued animals were taken to the Kano Zoological Garden.

These incidents are viewed as significant victories in the fight against wildlife trafficking, which remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law.