Ogun Customs intercepts three live pangolins, says traffickers risk 12m fine, 10 years jail term

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command, has seized three live pangolins hidden in sacks at Abeokuta's waterfront, as part of an extensive operation targeting wildlife trafficking. Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari, revealed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the patrol team detected the endangered species fleeing upon spotting Customs operatives.

The pangolins were discovered in wire mesh cages and concealed within sacks, a technique traffickers often employ to avoid detection. Zakari stated that the advanced packaging indicates the involvement of a well-organized smuggling ring. The Ag. Customs Area Controller, Abdulhamid Ibrahim, transferred the rescued pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

He emphasized that pangolins are classified as endangered species under Nigerian law and protected by the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act. Ibrahim cautioned that trafficking pangolins and their derivatives can result in severe penalties, including fines up to N12 million and prison sentences of up to 10 years.

He affirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service, in partnership with Green Finger Wildlife and other stakeholders, is committed to enforcing these laws to safeguard Nigeria's biodiversity. Ibrahim vowed that Customs officers demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism during the covert operation and vowed to remain vigilant against trans-border crime and work with partners to eradicate the illegal trade of endangered species.

Upon receiving the animals, Isaac Itue Ime, Admin Manager/Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, praised the Customs for their prompt action, vowing to provide the necessary care for the pangolins.