Customs Seize Four Live Pangolins in Ogun

Africa, Crime Diary

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, says it intercepted four live Pangolins, an endangered species, along the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora axis of the state.

The Deputy Superintendent of NCS, Chado Zakari, also the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ota.

Zakari explained that the seizure underscored the service’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

According to him, at about 3.00 a.m. on Thursday, a patrol team acting on credible intelligence intercepted a motorcycle in the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora, and Ebute Igboora axis of the command.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered four pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed within a sack.

“The sophisticated nature of the packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate.

“To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and the endangered species, vanishing into the thick terrain as the evening fog rolled in,” he said.

Zakari said that prioritising the animals’ welfare after the seizure, the Command officially transferred the pangolins to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on Feb. 13, 2026.

He said that the handover was conducted by Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello (Acting Deputy Comptroller for Administration), on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Oladapo Afeni.

The area comptroller noted that the officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations.

The comptroller reiterated the command’s commitment to be steadfast in its vigilance against trans-border crime and to collaborate with its partners to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species.

Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife, urging them to desist from the act.

He emphasised that the command remained ‘battle-ready’ and fully equipped to track down and apprehend anyone undermining the law.