The Ogun I Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rescued three live pangolins hidden in sacks during a high-stakes patrol along the Abeokuta waterside in Ogun State.
The Command Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Zakari Chado, revealed this in a press statement on Thursday, 8 October 2026, on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC), Abdulhamid Ibrahim.
The interception, based on credible intelligence, underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“The pangolins were found tightly bound in sacks, a cruel method of concealment used by wildlife traffickers to evade detection. The sophisticated packaging suggests an organised smuggling syndicate was involved. To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned the endangered species and fled,” the statement read.
DC Ibrahim warned that trafficking pangolins and their derivatives under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill now carries severe legal consequences, attracting fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
“We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade of endangered species,” DC Ibrahim said, praising the courage of the operational team.
The Command immediately handed the live mammals over to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative in accordance with the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
Upon receiving the animals, Green Fingers Wildlife’s Admin Manager/Supervisor, Isaac Ime, commended the successful covert operation. “Nigeria Customs holds a significant role in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, and I am assuring you that we at Green Fingers Wildlife will do our best to provide necessary care for the surviving pangolins.” He said.
The Acting CAC issued a stern warning to wildlife traffickers, stating that the Command remains fully alert to track down and apprehend anyone undermining national law.
