The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted five live pangolins along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State during an intelligence-led anti-smuggling operation.
The seizure was made at about 1:18 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, after credible intelligence on the movement of endangered wildlife. Officers found the pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed to evade detection. The suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled on sighting the patrol team.
The rescued animals were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat. The handover was carried out by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Oguntuase said the interception, coming barely seven days after a similar operation, highlights the need for extensive investigation to dismantle syndicates behind the illicit trade. He stressed that the operation reflects the Service’s resolve to enforce Nigeria’s obligations under CITES, where pangolins are listed under Appendix I prohibiting commercial trade, and the Endangered Species Act.
Receiving the animals, Dr. Austin Tochukwu of Greenfingers commended Customs for its vigilance, assuring that the Centre would provide necessary care ahead of their release.
