By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted three endangered pangolins allegedly abandoned by suspected wildlife smugglers at Abeokuta Waterside in Ogun State.
The animals were recovered by a patrol team acting on credible intelligence, while the suspects reportedly fled after sighting the Customs operatives.
Chado Zakari, Deputy Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer of the command, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
According to Zakari, the pangolins were found confined in wire mesh cages and concealed inside sacks in what officials described as an attempt to evade detection.
He said the animals had been tightly bound and abandoned by the suspected traffickers during the operation, adding that the circumstances surrounding their concealment suggested possible involvement of an organised wildlife smuggling network.
Following the interception, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handed over the rescued animals to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handover, Ibrahim said pangolins are protected under Nigerian wildlife conservation laws and warned that the illegal trade in the animals and their derivatives attracts severe penalties.
He cited the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which he said provides for fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years for offenders.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cross-border crime and illegal wildlife trafficking through collaboration with conservation organisations and other relevant agencies.
He also warned wildlife traffickers to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that the command would continue efforts to identify and apprehend those involved.
Receiving the animals, Isaac Ime, administrative manager and supervisor of Green Finger Wildlife Conservation, commended the Customs Service for the interception and pledged that the organisation would provide the pangolins with the necessary care during rehabilitation.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and wildlife conservation groups to protect endangered species and curb illegal wildlife trafficking in Nigeria.
