The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta waterside in a major operation against wildlife trafficking.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Zakari said the patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the endangered species abandoned by suspected smugglers who fled on sighting Customs operatives.
He said the pangolins were found tightly bound in wire mesh cages and concealed in sacks, a cruel method used by traffickers to evade detection.
According to him, the sophisticated packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate.
The Ag. Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handover, Ibrahim said pangolins are listed as endangered species under Nigerian law and are protected by the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
He warned that trafficking attracts severe penalties, noting that under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to N12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
“Trafficking pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties. Under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, offenders risk fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Green Finger Wildlife and other stakeholders, remains resolute in enforcing these laws to protect the nation’s biodiversity.
“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 of endangered species,” Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim warned smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to desist, stressing that the Command remains battle-ready and fully equipped to track down and apprehend offenders.
Receiving the animals, the Admin Manager/Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Command for its vigilance and swift action, assuring that the organisation would provide necessary care for the pangolins.
Ogun Customs intercepts three live pangolins, says traffickers risk 12m fine, 10 years jail term