Customs intercepts three live pangolins concealed in sacks in Ogun

The Ogun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three live pangolins allegedly abandoned by suspected wildlife smugglers at Abeokuta waterside in Ogun State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chado Zakaria, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller.

According to the statement, the seizure followed credible intelligence received by the Command’s patrol team as part of efforts to curb smuggling and protect endangered wildlife species.

The statement said the suspected smugglers fled after sighting Customs operatives, abandoning the animals, which had been concealed in sacks in an apparent attempt to evade detection and arrest.

Upon inspection, the operatives reportedly discovered three live pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed inside a sack.

The Command said the manner in which the animals were packaged suggested the possible involvement of an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, said the seizure underscored the Service’s commitment to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other relevant wildlife protection laws.

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Speaking during the formal handover of the rescued animals, Ibrahim said pangolins were endangered species protected under Nigerian law, particularly the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.

He added that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracted severe penalties, noting that under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders could face fines of up to N12 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

The Customs boss commended the officers for their courage and professionalism during the operation, adding that the Command would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to combat trans-border crime and the illegal trade in endangered species.

He said, “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.”

As part of inter-agency collaboration and efforts to ensure proper care for rescued wildlife, the Ogun I Command handed over the three live pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

Receiving the animals, the organisation’s Admin Manager/Supervisor, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Customs Command for its vigilance and prompt intervention, describing the Service’s role as critical to the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Ime assured the Command that the organisation would provide the necessary care for the animals and work towards their rehabilitation and eventual return to a safe, protected environment.

The Customs Area Controller warned smugglers and traffickers involved in the illegal wildlife trade to desist from the practice, declaring that the Command remained “battle-ready” and equipped to track down and apprehend anyone who violated the law.