FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Rescues Three Live Pangolins in Ogun State Smuggling Operation

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation along Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora in Ogun State. The seizure was effected on Monday, October 12, 2026, at approximately 9:05 a.m., when officers of the Unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a sack containing the endangered animals concealed in a wire-mesh cage. Upon sighting the Customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp, leaving behind the animals.

This was contained in a press statement issued by Hussaini Abdullahi, a Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the statement, Acting Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, described the interception as a significant milestone in the Service’s campaign against wildlife trafficking, smuggling and other transnational organised crimes. He commended the operatives for their vigilance and prompt response, noting that the operation underscored the Unit’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways.

Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and their illegal trade remains a serious threat to wildlife conservation. The Service reiterated that persons involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species risk prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.

To ensure their safety and welfare, the three rescued pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management.

Afeni warned smugglers and their collaborators that FOU Zone ‘A’ would continue to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration across its area of responsibility. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD Psc(+), and the Service to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts against illegal wildlife trade.