Customs Seizes Pangolin Scales Worth N3.9 Billion in Kebbi State, Arrests Suspect
In a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, the Federal Operations Unit Zone 'B' of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive consignment of pangolin scales worth N3.9 billion in Kebbi State.
Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, the commander of the unit, disclosed this during a media briefing in Kaduna on Wednesday. He said that the operatives acted on intelligence and stormed a hideout in Zuru Town, Kebbi State, where they discovered and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales weighing 445.45kg.
The pangolin species is an endangered species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory. The NCS has vowed to continue partnering with CITES to prevent the species from going extinct.
The value of the seized pangolin scales at the international market is estimated at N3,955,596,000. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure, while the main suspect is still at large. The unit has vowed to collaborate with other agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the main suspect.
The success of the operation is attributed to robust intelligence sharing between the NCS and the Wildlife Office, as well as the resilience of the operatives. The unit has called on the public to cooperate in its fight against smuggling and wildlife trafficking, which is often used to launder money for illegal activities such as drug trafficking and arms procurement.
The Comptroller reiterated the unit's commitment to enforcing federal government policies in line with international best practices, despite any campaign of calumny against the service.
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