Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Intercepts Three Live Pangolins, Foils Wildlife Trafficking Attempt

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 12 October 2026 at approximately 0905hrs, when officers of the Unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a sack, conveying the endangered animals concealed in a wire mesh caged. Upon sighting the Customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp, leaving behind the animals.

The Acting Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement Oluwaseun Oguntuase, described the interception as significant milestone in the Service’s sustained 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 guarantee 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.

 

Hussaini Abdullahi
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Public Relations Officer
For: Ag Comptroller Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja-Lagos

12 October 2026

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