FEDERAL OPERATIONS UNIT (FOU) ZONE ‘B’ CRACKS DOWN ON SMUGGLING OF ENDANGERED SPECIES

…Intercepts live pangolins along Kano–Jigawa axis…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking with the interception of two live pangolins along the Kano–Jigawa axis.

The seizure, which took place on March 12, 2026, at about 10:00 hours, followed a strategic stop-and-search operation by vigilant operatives of the Unit. The officers, acting on intelligence and heightened surveillance directives, flagged down a suspicious vehicle conveying the endangered animals.

The interception was carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a global treaty designed to ensure that international trade in wild fauna and flora does not threaten their survival.

Following the operation, the pangolins were carefully secured and transported to the Unit’s headquarters in Kaduna, where a physical examination confirmed that each specimen weighed approximately 15 kilograms.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, has ordered a full-scale investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the illegal movement, including identifying those behind the act and the intended destination of the animals.

Reacting to the development, the Comptroller reaffirmed the Unit’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental crimes, stating:
“This seizure sends a strong warning that FOU Zone ‘B’ will not be used as a transit route for wildlife traffickers. We are fully committed to enforcing all relevant laws and protecting endangered species from exploitation.”

Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, highly sought after for their scales and meat. Their illegal trade poses a serious threat to biodiversity and ecological balance.

The Nigeria Customs Service reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating smuggling in all forms, including the illicit trade in endangered species, while strengthening collaboration with local and international partners to safeguard Nigeria’s environmental resources.