Customs Foil Pangolin Smuggling Attempt in Night Patrol, Reinforce Nigeria’s CITES Commitment
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking with the interception of four live pangolins along the waterways of Ogun State, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to global biodiversity protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The interception occurred at about 18:33 hours on Thursday, January 15, 2026, when operatives of the Unit, acting on credible intelligence, stopped a wooden boat during a targeted patrol along Alapa Creek in Ajilete.
The patrol team discovered four live pangolins concealed in wire mesh cages, indicating the activities of a well-organised smuggling syndicate. On sighting the officers, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding creeks, abandoning both the boat and the endangered animals.
No arrests were made as the suspects took advantage of the difficult terrain to escape.
In line with best practices for wildlife protection, the rescued pangolins were formally handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping at about 07:00 hours on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The handover was carried out by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC A.O. Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller, FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, Comptroller Aliyu praised their courage and professionalism, particularly given the risks associated with nighttime patrols along inland waterways. He urged personnel of the Unit to sustain their vigilance in combating trans-border crimes, including the illegal trade in endangered species.
The Comptroller further reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to the enforcement of wildlife protection laws, stressing that FOU Zone A would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eradicate the trafficking of endangered flora and fauna.
At the national level, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, also commended the officers for their dedication to CITES enforcement. He noted that the successful interception underscores his administration’s zero-tolerance stance against individuals and syndicates whose activities undermine Nigeria’s international obligations, environmental sustainability, and economic stability.
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