1. In a major victory for wildlife conservation and border security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at the Abeokuta waterside. The seizure underscores the Service’s commitment to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
2. The command’s patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the endangered animals after suspected smugglers abandoned them and fled upon sighting Customs operatives. The pangolins were reportedly tightly confined in sacks, a method used by wildlife traffickers to conceal endangered animals and evade detection.
3. Upon inspection, officers discovered three pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed within a sack. The manner in which the animals were packaged raised suspicions of an organised wildlife smuggling operation. The suspects reportedly escaped before they could be arrested.
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4. In line with inter-agency collaboration and efforts to ensure the proper care of rescued wildlife, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, officially handed over the seized pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
5. During the handover ceremony, Ibrahim disclosed that pangolins are protected under Nigerian law, particularly the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act. He warned that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties.
He further stated that under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
6. The Nigeria Customs Service said it would continue collaborating with Green Finger Wildlife Conservation and other stakeholders to enforce wildlife protection laws and safeguard the nation’s biodiversity.
7. Ibrahim commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism, stressing the command’s determination to combat cross-border crime and eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species.
He said the command remained vigilant and committed to working with relevant partners to tackle wildlife trafficking.
8. Receiving the animals, the Administrative Manager and Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Ogun I Command for its vigilance and swift action.
He highlighted the critical role of the Customs Service in combating illegal wildlife trade and assured that Green Fingers Wildlife would provide the rescued pangolins with the necessary care.
9. Ibrahim also issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers dealing in endangered wildlife, urging them to abandon the illegal trade. He added that the command remained prepared to track down and apprehend anyone found violating the law.
Chado Zakari Deputy Superintendent of Customs Public Relations Officer Ogun I Command Idiroko, Ogun State
For: Acting Customs Area Controller
Date: October 8, 2026
