Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
In a significant operation underscoring Nigeria’s ongoing fight against wildlife trafficking, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted four live pangolins on Thursday, 15 January 2026, in the Ajilete creeklands of Ogun State. The endangered animals were found during a patrol along the Alapa Creek, a known waterway where smuggling activities have been reported, and were rescued after suspected traffickers abandoned them and fled into surrounding creeks upon sighting customs officers. This development marks a notable win in efforts to curb the illegal trade in protected species that threatens biodiversity and undermines global conservation commitments.
According to an official press statement released on 19 January 2026 by the unit’s spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, operatives acted on credible intelligence to intercept the pangolins contained in wire mesh cages aboard a wooden boat navigating the creek. The swift action and strategic presence of customs patrols at night resulted in the smugglers abandoning both their vessel and the wildlife cargo, leaving the endangered mammals vulnerable but alive. The four pangolins were subsequently transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for professional care and safekeeping, ensuring their welfare and protection from further harm.
The handover of the rescued pangolins was carried out by Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, who leads the Federal Operations Unit Zone A. In his remarks, Comptroller Aliyu commended the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved, emphasising that the interception reflects the unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws even during challenging night operations. He urged all personnel to remain vigilant and resolute in tackling trans-border crimes, highlighting that this achievement is part of broader efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking across Nigeria’s waterways and land borders.
This latest intervention aligns with a series of intensified actions by Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Customs Service, to disrupt trafficking networks that exploit the country’s porous borders and extensive coastline to transport endangered species and their derivatives. Pangolins — often dubbed the world’s most trafficked mammal — are sought after for their scales and meat, driving illegal trade that threatens their survival in the wild and contributes to biodiversity loss globally. Nigeria, as part of the international community, is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and has been under growing pressure to uphold its commitments through effective domestic enforcement measures.
Beyond the Ajilete interception, Nigeria’s Customs Service has recorded multiple seizures of pangolin scales in recent years, further illustrating the scale of the challenge. For instance, enforcement operations in previous years yielded large quantities of confiscated scales in various states, including Kano, Lagos and Ogun, with totals measured in tonnes and representing the potential illegal removal of thousands of individual animals from their natural habitats. Such seizures underscore both the persistence of wildlife trafficking syndicates and the evolving capability of authorities to counter their activities.
Experts in wildlife conservation note that pangolins reproduce slowly and are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation, making each live rescue and enforcement success critical to the species’ survival prospects. The theft and unlawful trade of pangolins derive not only from domestic pressures but also from international demand, particularly in parts of Asia where their scales are incorrectly believed to possess medicinal properties. As a result, enforcement agents and conservation stakeholders continue to call for stronger deterrents, including enhanced legal frameworks, increased penalties, and expedited prosecution of wildlife crime offenders to prevent traffickers from exploiting legal loopholes or weak judicial follow‑through.
The Nigerian Customs Service’s Special Wildlife Office, established in recent years with support from international partners and conservation organisations, has been instrumental in building enforcement capacity, expanding intelligence‑led operations, and facilitating partnerships that improve detection and response to wildlife trafficking. These collaborations have yielded multiple arrests, convictions, and significant seizures, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key front‑line actor in the global effort to protect endangered species and adhere to international conventions designed to regulate and control cross‑border trade in wildlife.
Nevertheless, challenges remain. Trafficking networks often employ sophisticated methods and routes, and while live animal interceptions such as the Ajilete case are relatively rare, the ongoing illegal trade in parts, carcasses, and live specimens persists. Conservation groups argue that sustained pressure from enforcement, coupled with community awareness programmes and demand‑reduction initiatives, will be essential to meaningfully reduce the threat to pangolins and other vulnerable wildlife. These measures, they contend, must be supported by robust political will and adequate resources to empower agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service to operate effectively across the country’s extensive land and maritime borders.
The seizure of these four live pangolins in Ogun State thus represents more than a single event; it is part of an ongoing narrative in Nigeria’s battle against wildlife crime. It highlights the crucial role of intelligence‑driven enforcement, inter‑agency cooperation, and adherence to international conservation standards. As authorities continue to tackle wildlife trafficking, such interventions send a clear message to criminal networks that Nigeria is committed to protecting its natural heritage and contributing to global efforts aimed at safeguarding endangered species for future generations.
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