By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has intercepted three live pangolins allegedly abandoned by suspected wildlife smugglers at Abeokuta Waterside, in Ogun State.
The seizure followed an intelligence-driven patrol operation by Customs officers, who discovered the endangered animals concealed in sacks and confined in wire-mesh cages.
The suspected smugglers reportedly fled after sighting the Customs patrol team, abandoning the pangolins at the scene.
According to the Command, the manner in which the animals were tightly confined and concealed suggested an organised attempt to smuggle the protected wildlife while evading detection.
The seizure represents another major intervention by the Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and the protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity.
Pangolins Handed Over for Rehabilitation
Following the interception, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, formally handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ibrahim said pangolins are protected under Nigerian law and that trafficking in the animals and their derivatives attracts severe penalties.
He said the Customs Service would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to enforce laws protecting endangered species and prevent Nigeria from being used as a route for illegal wildlife trafficking.
“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 said.
Wildlife Conservation Group Commends Customs
Receiving the rescued animals, the Administrative Manager/Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Ogun I Command for its vigilance and swift response.
Ime highlighted the critical role of the Customs Service in combating illegal wildlife trade and assured that the organisation would provide the necessary care for the surviving pangolins during their rehabilitation.
Customs Warns Wildlife Traffickers
The Acting Controller warned smugglers and traffickers involved in the illegal trade of endangered wildlife to desist from the practice.
Ibrahim said the Command remains “battle-ready” and equipped to identify, track and apprehend individuals involved in activities that undermine Nigeria’s laws and threaten the country’s wildlife.
The Nigeria Customs Service said it would continue to strengthen collaboration with Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation and other relevant stakeholders in protecting endangered species and combating trans-border wildlife trafficking.
The rescued pangolins are expected to undergo rehabilitation before their eventual release into a suitable protected habitat.
Tags:
Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Customs, Ogun I Command, pangolins, live pangolins, pangolin smuggling, wildlife trafficking, wildlife conservation, endangered species, Abdulhamid Ibrahim, Green Fingers Wildlife, Abeokuta Waterside, Customs anti-smuggling, Ogun State, illegal wildlife trade
