Customs Intercepts Four Live Pangolins in Ogun, Hands Them Over to Wildlife Centre

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area 1 Command, Idiroko, have seized four live pangolins from suspected wildlife traffickers in the Yemoamota–Abule-Igboora and Ebute-Igboora areas of the state.

The interception took place around 3:00 am on Thursday, following a routine patrol based on intelligence reports. According to a statement released on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, officers flagged down a motorcycle along the Yemoamota–Igboora route, leading to the discovery.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered four pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed within a sack. The packaging indicated the possible involvement of an organised syndicate,” Zakari said.

He added that the suspects abandoned the motorcycle and the animals and fled into the surrounding terrain to evade arrest.

Following the seizure, the command prioritised the welfare of the animals. On Friday, the pangolins were officially handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre. The handover was carried out by Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello, Acting Deputy Controller Administration, on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Oladapo Afeni.

The statement noted that the operation reflects the command’s commitment to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Afeni commended the operatives involved for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s resolve to combat trans-border crimes and illegal wildlife trafficking. He also warned smugglers to desist from such activities, stating that the command remains fully prepared to enforce relevant laws.