Customs Bust Wildlife Trafficking Ring, Rescue Live Pangolins in Major Crackdown

BY GODWIN OBI
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has intensified its fight against wildlife trafficking with the interception of live pangolins along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa corridor.
According to a statement by the Unit’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Mohammad Balarabe, the latest seizure occurred on March 26 at about 1:00 p.m., marking the second major interception within two weeks, following a similar operation on March 12.
The operation was carried out in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits trade that threatens endangered species.
Customs operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a suspicious vehicle during routine patrol. A thorough search led to the discovery of live pangolins concealed inside the vehicle.
All rescued animals from both operations have since been transported to the Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna for proper handling and eventual transfer to relevant wildlife authorities.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, has ordered a full-scale investigation aimed at dismantling the trafficking syndicate behind the illegal trade.
He emphasized that the repeated interceptions within a short period reflect heightened surveillance and operational efficiency.
“This seizure sends a clear message: Zone ‘B’ will not serve as a transit point or safe haven for wildlife traffickers,” the statement noted.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and international agreements to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals in the world, driven by illegal demand for their scales and meat.