Customs rescues 3 endangered pangolins in Ogun, warns wildlife traffickers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, has intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation along Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora, Ogun State, averting their illegal trade and potential harm to Nigeria’s wildlife population.

The Acting Comptroller, FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, October 25, 2026. 

The interception occurred on Monday, 12 October 2026, when officers acting on credible intelligence discovered the endangered animals concealed in a wire-mesh cage inside a sack. 

The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp upon sighting the Customs patrol team.

Afeni, represented by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift response, describing the interception as a significant step in the Service’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and organised smuggling.

He said the operation demonstrated the Unit’s determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the country’s borders and waterways.

“Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered wildlife. Their illegal trafficking threatens wildlife conservation and biodiversity. The three rescued animals have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate care," he stated. 

Afeni warned individuals involved in wildlife trafficking against continuing their activities, stressing that the Unit would sustain its enforcement operations. 

“FOU Zone ‘A’ will continue to intensify patrols, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration to protect endangered species and combat illegal wildlife trade,” he said.