Customs Catch Three Live Pangolins in Ogun State

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

The endangered animals were caught by a patrol team acting on good information. The suspected smugglers ran away after they saw the Customs officers.

The pangolins were found locked in wire-mesh cages and hidden in sacks to avoid being seen, according to the command.

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

Zakari said, “The command patrol team, acting on good information, intercepted the endangered animals that were left behind by suspected smugglers who ran away when they saw Customs officers.

“The pangolins were found tightly packed in sacks, a cruel way of hiding them used by wildlife traffickers.

“Upon checking, officers found three pangolins locked in wire-mesh cages and hidden in a sack. The clever packing shows that an organised smuggling group is involved. To avoid being caught, the suspects abandoned the endangered animals and ran away.”

The command then gave the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for care and later release into a safe habitat.

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

Ibrahim said that trafficking in pangolins and their parts brings heavy punishment under the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act and other laws.

He mentioned, “Trafficking pangolins and their parts brings heavy penalties. Under the new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders can face fines of up to N12 million and up to 10 years in jail.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, working with Green Fingers Wildlife and other partners, is serious about enforcing these laws to protect our wildlife.

“Our officers showed great bravery and professionalism during the secret operations. We are committed to fighting cross-border crime and working with our partners to stop the illegal trade in endangered animals.”

Ibrahim warned smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to stop the illegal trade, saying the command is always “ready for battle” and prepared to 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 stressed the important work of the NCS in fighting illegal wildlife trade and promised that the organisation would take good care of the rescued pangolins.