The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command, Idiroko has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at the Abeokuta waterside in Ogun State.
The endangered animals were intercepted by a patrol team acting on credible intelligence, while the suspected smugglers reportedly fled after sighting the Customs operatives.
The animals were said to have been found confined in wire mesh cages and concealed inside sacks, a method the command described as a deliberate attempt to evade detection.
Chado Zakari, a Deputy Superintendent of Customs and
Public Relations Officer of Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
Zakari said that “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.
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“Upon inspection, officers discovered 3 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’.
He explained that in line with inter-agency collaboration and the mandate to ensure the proper care of rescued wildlife, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Compt. Abdulhamid Ibrahim has officially handed over the seized Pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handing over, Ibrahim disclosed that Pangolins are listed as endangered species under Nigerian law and are protected by the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
He said that that “Trafficking pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties. Under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Finger Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity.
“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations. We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade of endangered species”.
Ibrahim issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife, urging them to desist and emphasized that the Command remains ‘battle-ready’ and fully equipped to track down and apprehend anyone undermining the law
Receiving the animals, the Admin Manager/Supervisor, Green Fingers Wildlife. Mr Isaac Ime commended the Ogun I Command for its vigilance and swift action. He emphasised the critical role of Customs in the fight against illegal wildlife trade and assured that Wildlife conservation organization would provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolin.
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