The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted four live pangolins along the Yewa axis of Ogun State, reinforcing efforts to curb the illegal trade in endangered wildlife.
The seizure was made by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service Ogun I Area Command during a patrol operation around the Yemoamota–Abule-Igboora and Ebute Igboora corridor.
The command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, disclosed in a statement issued in Ota on Saturday that the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following credible intelligence.
Zakari said the patrol team intercepted a motorcycle around 3 a.m. and, upon inspection, discovered four live pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and hidden inside a sack.
He noted that the method of concealment pointed to the activities of an organised smuggling network.
According to him, the suspects fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning both the motorcycle and the endangered animals to avoid arrest.
The spokesperson stated that the interception highlights the service’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
He added that after the seizure, the command prioritised the wellbeing of the animals and formally handed them over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on February 13, 2026.
The transfer was carried out by Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello, acting on behalf of the Customs Area Comptroller, Oladapo Afeni.
Afeni commended the officers for what he described as their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to intensify surveillance along the borders and strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat trans-border crimes, particularly the trafficking of endangered species.
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The comptroller also warned smugglers to desist from illegal wildlife trade, stressing that the command remains fully prepared to apprehend offenders and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
