Ogun 1 Customs: New Area Controller, Abdulhamid Ibrahim begins on fast lane, intercepts live pangolins just few days in office

…DC Ibrahim signals a determined start

The new Area Controller of Ogun I Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, has demonstrated an early resolve to intensify the Command’s anti-smuggling offensive, recording a significant wildlife conservation breakthrough barely days after assuming office, with interception of three live pangolins.

The operation, which took place along Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State, shows a significant victory in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and reinforces the Service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity, strengthening border security and dismantling criminal networks engaged in illicit trade of endangered species.

Beyond the immediate seizure, the interception demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s determination to enforce national wildlife protection laws and uphold the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ,CITES, which regulates international trade in threatened wildlife and plants.

Details made available to our Online News platform by the Image Maker of Ogun 1 Command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari, indicated that the patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the endangered animals during a targeted enforcement operation.

The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the pangolins and fled upon sighting the approaching Customs operatives.

The rescued animals were discovered concealed in sacks and confined in wire-mesh cages, a disturbing indication of the cruel methods employed by wildlife traffickers to transport protected species while evading law enforcement.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, the circumstances surrounding the interception suggest a deliberate attempt to conceal the animals and move them illegally through established trafficking channels.

Following the successful operation, the Area Controller, formally handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for professional care, rehabilitation and eventual release into a suitable protected habitat.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, DC Ibrahim stressed that pangolins are protected under Nigeria’s wildlife conservation laws, particularly the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, which prohibits and regulates illegal exploitation and trade of protected species.

He warned that the consequences for wildlife trafficking could be severe, citing provisions of the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, under which offenders risk fines of up to N12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.

The Area Controller emphasised that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement strategies and strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to curb illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s wildlife resources.

“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the operation. The interception reflects our determination to deny smugglers and wildlife traffickers the opportunity to exploit our natural heritage for illicit gains,” Ibrahim stated.

He added that the Command remained resolute in its commitment to combating trans-border criminal activities, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation remained indispensable to achieving sustainable results in wildlife protection and border enforcement.

“We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to working closely with our partners to eliminate illegal trade in endangered species. The protection of our biodiversity is a collective responsibility, and the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to play its part with unwavering determination,” he stressed.

Receiving the rescued animals on behalf of Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation, the organisation’s Administrative Manager and Supervisor, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended Ogun I Area Command for its vigilance, professionalism and swift response.

Ime highlighted the critical role of Nigeria Customs Service in disrupting illegal wildlife trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable animal species from exploitation. He assured the Command that the rescued pangolins would receive the necessary care and rehabilitation to improve their chances of survival before their eventual release into a protected environment.

In a stern warning to smugglers and wildlife traffickers, DC Ibrahim urged those involved in the illegal trade to abandon the criminal enterprise, stressing that the Command would sustain its enforcement pressure against anyone seeking to undermine wildlife protection laws.

He reaffirmed that Ogun I Area Command remains battle-ready, operationally vigilant and committed to tracking down offenders, and strengthening the protection of Nigeria’s ecological heritage.

With the latest interception coming barely days into his tenure, Ibrahim’s early enforcement success signals a determined start to his leadership, reinforcing the Command’s resolve to ensure that Ogun State’s waterways, border corridors and other vulnerable routes do not become safe havens for smugglers and wildlife traffickers.