The Nigeria Customs Service has rescued three live pangolins from suspected wildlife traffickers who abandoned the animals during an anti-smuggling operation at Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, intercepted the animals along Oyo Dam at about 9:05 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, following intelligence on the suspected trafficking activity.
The suspected traffickers fled into a nearby swamp after sighting the Customs patrol team, abandoning a sack containing the pangolins concealed in a wire-mesh cage.
The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, said the interception formed part of the Service’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, smuggling and other transnational organised crimes.
Afeni commended the officers for their vigilance and swift response, saying the operation demonstrated the Unit’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupting criminal networks operating through the country’s borders and waterways.
The three pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management.
Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), while their illegal trade poses a threat to wildlife conservation.
The Customs Service warned that anyone involved in the smuggling, possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species risk prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.
Afeni said FOU Zone ‘A’ would intensify patrols, intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration across its area of responsibility.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting endangered species and supporting national and international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.