Customs Intercepts Pangolins, Tightens Crackdown on Wildlife Smuggling

Customs Intercepts Pangolins, Tightens Crackdown on Wildlife Smuggling

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its clampdown on wildlife trafficking following the interception of two live pangolins along the Kano–Jigawa axis.

Operatives of the Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’ made the seizure on March 12, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m. during a routine stop-and-search operation.

According to Customs authorities, the vehicle conveying the endangered animals was flagged as part of an ongoing enforcement drive targeting illegal trade routes in the region.

The seizure was carried out in line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which regulates and, in some cases, prohibits the trade of endangered wildlife species.

Following the interception, the pangolins were secured in protective cages and transported to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna for further handling. Officials said each of the animals weighed approximately 15 kilogrammes.

The Comptroller of the unit, Aminu Sule, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to trace the origin and intended destination of the animals.

“This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point for wildlife traffickers,” Sule said.

Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals globally, making the latest interception a significant step in curbing the illegal trade.

The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and international agreements aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity, warning smugglers that enforcement operations will be sustained across key corridors.