The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted four live pangolins along the Ajilete creeks in Ogun State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, and shared on the agency’s Facebook page on Monday.
According to the statement, the interception occurred during a routine patrol by Customs operatives acting on credible intelligence.
Abdullahi, in the statement, noted that the officers stopped a wooden boat transporting the endangered animals in wire mesh cages along Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
The statement further revealed that the suspected smugglers abandoned the boat and fled into the creeks upon sighting Customs officers.
The four pangolins were rescued alive and immediately secured by the operatives.
Following the seizure, the animals were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for proper care and safekeeping.
The handover was carried out by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
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Commending the officers involved in the operation, Comptroller Aliyu described the interception as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Unit.
“This interception reflects the professionalism, courage and commitment of our officers, particularly during night operations.
“I urge all personnel to remain vigilant and resolute in tackling trans-border crimes, as the Unit will continue to enforce wildlife protection laws and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eradicate the illegal trade in endangered species,” he said.
Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, and Nigerian authorities have intensified efforts in recent years to curb their illegal trade and protect the country’s biodiversity.
