The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command, has intercepted three live pangolins concealed in sacks at Abeokuta waterside in an operation against wildlife trafficking.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to Zakari, the pangolins were intercepted by a patrol team acting on credible intelligence. He said the suspected traffickers abandoned the animals and fled after sighting the Customs operatives.
He explained that the endangered animals were tightly confined in wire mesh cages and concealed inside sacks, describing the method as a cruel way of transporting wildlife illegally.
Zakari added that the sophisticated manner in which the pangolins were packaged suggested the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handed over the rescued pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking during the handover, Ibrahim said pangolins are protected under Nigerian law as endangered species.
He warned that trafficking pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.
According to him, offenders risk a fine of up to N12 million and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Ibrahim said the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to work with Green Finger Wildlife and other stakeholders to combat the illegal trade in endangered species and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
He also warned wildlife traffickers to desist from the illegal practice, assuring that the Command remained prepared to track down and arrest offenders.
Receiving the animals, the Admin Manager/Supervisor of Green Fingers Wildlife, Isaac Itue Ime, commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and swift intervention.
He assured that the organisation would provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolins.
