By Joseph Chibu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside following credible intelligence on suspected wildlife trafficking.
The command’s patrol team recovered the animals after suspected smugglers abandoned them and fled on sighting the operatives. The pangolins were found confined in wire mesh cages, suggesting an organised attempt to transport them illegally while evading security agencies.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, subsequently handed over the rescued animals to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Ibrahim said pangolins are protected under Nigerian law and international conservation agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). He warned that trafficking the animals and their derivatives attracts severe penalties, adding that the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill provides for substantial fines and prison terms.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working with conservation organisations and relevant agencies to combat wildlife trafficking, trans-border crime and threats to Nigeria’s biodiversity.
Receiving the animals, Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation’s Admin Manager and Supervisor, Isaac Itue Ime, commended Customs for its vigilance and swift intervention. He assured that the pangolins would receive appropriate care during rehabilitation before their release into a suitable protected environment.
The command warned wildlife traffickers to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that its officers remained prepared to identify and apprehend individuals and syndicates involved in trafficking endangered species.