Customs Foils Wildlife Trafficking, Rescues Pangolins in Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, has foiled a wildlife trafficking attempt after intercepting three live pangolins at Oyo Dam in Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.

The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the endangered animals and fled into a nearby swamp after sighting Customs operatives during an anti-smuggling operation on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The interception, which occurred at about 9:05am, followed credible intelligence received by officers of the unit.

The animals were concealed in a sack placed inside a wire-mesh cage before the suspects abandoned the consignment and escaped.

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The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, described the interception as a significant milestone in the Service’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, smuggling and transnational organised crime.

He commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift response, noting that the operation demonstrated the unit’s determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways.

Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), while illegal trade in the animals remains a major threat to wildlife conservation.

He warned that anyone involved in the illegal smuggling, possession, transportation or commercialisation of endangered species risked prosecution and severe penalties under applicable Nigerian laws.

The three rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management.

Afeni warned smugglers and their collaborators that the unit would intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration across its area of responsibility.

He 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.