Customs seize three live pangolins in Ogun

The acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Compt. Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handing over the seized pangolins to Mr Isaac Ime of Green Fingers Wildlife for rehabilitation and release into a protected habitat.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State.

The endangered animals were intercepted by a patrol team acting on credible intelligence, while the suspected smugglers reportedly fled after sighting the Customs operatives.

The pangolins were found confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed inside sacks in an apparent attempt to evade detection, according to the command.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.

Zakari said, “The command patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the endangered animals abandoned by suspected smugglers who fled upon sighting Customs operatives.

“The pangolins were found tightly bound in sacks, a cruel method of concealment used by wildlife traffickers to evade detection.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered three pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed within a sack. The sophisticated packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate. To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned the endangered species and fled.”

The command subsequently handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

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Speaking during the handover, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, said pangolins were endangered species protected under Nigerian law.

Ibrahim said trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties under the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act and other relevant legislation.

He said, “Trafficking pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties. Under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to N12m and prison terms of up to 10 years.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Fingers Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity.

“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations. We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species.”

Ibrahim warned smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that the command remained “battle-ready” and equipped to track down and apprehend offenders.

Receiving the animals, the Administrative Manager and Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Isaac Ime, commended the Customs command for its vigilance and swift intervention.

Ime emphasised the critical role of the NCS in combating illegal wildlife trade and assured that the organisation would provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolins.