|By Adejumo Adekunle
The Nigeria Customs Service Ogun 1 Area Command intercepts four live pangolins in Ogun in a decisive crackdown on wildlife trafficking along the Yemoamota–Abule-Igboora axis of the state.
The seizure, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, underscores the renewed enforcement drive by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) against the illegal trade in endangered species.
Deputy Superintendent of Customs and Command spokesperson, Chado Zakari, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Ota. He revealed that at about 3:00 a.m., a patrol team acting on credible intelligence intercepted a motorcycle along the Yemoamota–Abule-Igboora and Ebute Igboora corridor.
Upon inspection, officers uncovered four live pangolins tightly confined in wire mesh cages and concealed inside a sack.
Zakari stated that the method of concealment pointed to the operations of a well-coordinated smuggling syndicate.
“As soon as they sighted our officers, the suspects abandoned both the motorcycle and the endangered species, escaping into the surrounding terrain under cover of low visibility,” he said.
The Command described the interception as a clear demonstration of its commitment to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates global trade in endangered wildlife.
Following the seizure, the Command prioritised the welfare of the rescued animals. On February 13, 2026, the pangolins were officially handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for proper care and rehabilitation.
Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello, Acting Deputy Comptroller for Administration, conducted the handover on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Oladapo Afeni.
Afeni commended the officers for executing the covert operation with courage and professionalism. He reiterated that the Command remains resolute in dismantling cross-border criminal networks and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered wildlife.
Issuing a stern warning, the Comptroller cautioned smugglers and traffickers to desist, stressing that the Command is fully equipped and battle-ready to track down and prosecute offenders.
The interception adds to growing efforts by enforcement agencies to protect pangolins—one of the most trafficked mammals globally—from extinction and criminal exploitation.
