Customs catch three live pangolins in Ogun State

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has caught three live pangolins hidden in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State.

The endangered animals were seized by a patrol team acting on reliable information. The suspected smugglers ran away when they saw the Customs officers.

The pangolins were discovered locked in wire-mesh cages and hidden in sacks. This was an obvious attempt to avoid detection, according to the command.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, shared this news in a statement to journalists on Thursday.

Zakari stated, “The command patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the endangered animals abandoned by suspected smugglers who fled upon sighting Customs operatives.

“The pangolins were found tightly bound in sacks, a cruel method of concealment used by wildlife traffickers to evade detection.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered three pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed within a sack. The sophisticated packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate. To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned the endangered species and fled.”

The command later handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for care and eventual release into a safe environment.

During the handover, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, explained that pangolins are endangered species protected by Nigerian law.

Ibrahim noted that trafficking in pangolins and their products carries heavy penalties under the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act and other laws.

He said, “Trafficking pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties. Under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to N12m and prison terms of up to 10 years.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Fingers Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains committed to enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity.

“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations. We remain dedicated to fighting trans-border crime and working with our partners to stop the illegal trade in endangered species.”

Ibrahim warned smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to stop the illegal trade. He stressed that the command is “battle-ready” and prepared to track down and catch offenders.

Receiving the animals, the Administrative Manager and Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Isaac Ime, praised the Customs command for its alertness and quick action.

Ime highlighted the important role of the NCS in fighting illegal wildlife trade. He assured that the organisation would take good care of the rescued pangolins.