Customs rescues 3 endangered pangolins in Ogun, warns wildlife traffickers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, has intercepted three dwell pangolins throughout an anti-smuggling operation alongside Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora, Ogun State, averting their unlawful commerce and potential hurt to Nigeria’s wildlife inhabitants.

The Acting Comptroller, FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this in an announcement on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The interception occurred on Monday, 12 October 2026, when officers appearing on credible intelligence found the endangered animals hid in a wire-mesh cage inside a sack.

The suspected traffickers reportedly deserted the consignment and fled into the encompassing swamp upon sighting the Customs patrol staff.

Afeni, represented by Deputy Comptroller in control of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, recommended the operatives for his or her vigilance and swift response, describing the interception as a big step within the Service’s efforts to fight wildlife trafficking and organised smuggling.

He mentioned the operation demonstrated the Unit’s willpower to guard Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt felony networks exploiting the nation’s borders and waterways.

“Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered wildlife. Their illegal trafficking threatens wildlife conservation and biodiversity. The three rescued animals have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate care,” he stated.

Afeni warned individuals involved in wildlife trafficking against continuing their activities, stressing that the Unit would sustain its enforcement operations.

“FOU Zone ‘A’ will continue to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration to protect endangered species and combat illegal wildlife trade,” he mentioned.