Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, have foiled attempts to smuggle four live pangolins out of the country.
The operation which was part of a major exercise aimed at curbing wildlife trafficking is geared towards strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Customs officers, acting on credible intelligence, stopped a wooden boat navigating the Alapa Creek in the Ajilete area of Ogun State on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at about 6:33 pm.. The patrol team discovered four live pangolins confined in wire mesh cages, indicating an organised effort to traffic the endangered animas.
A statement signed by the Customs FOU Zone A Public Relations Officer, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi, revealed that’ suspects fled into the creeks upon sighting the officers, abandoning both the boat and the animals.
To ensure their safety and survival, the rescued pangolins have been formally handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre in a brief ceremony held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at about 7:00 am. The handover was supervised 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, Comptroller Aliyu praised their courage, professionalism, and operational alertness, particularly during the nighttime patrol. He urged operatives in the zone to sustain the momentum in combating trans-border crimes, including wildlife trafficking.
According to him, the Unit is committed to the strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species.
Meanwhile Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, while praising the officers for their dedication to enforcing CITES regulations, noted that the successful interception of the live Pangolns underscores the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against individuals and syndicates undermining Nigeria’s environmental obligations and economic stability.