Customs FOU Zone A Intercepts 4 Live Pangolins

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ last Thursday, intercepted four live pangolins during a targeted patrol. Management of the Unit described the arrest as a significant victory in protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and upholding commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Speaking on the operation, the Unit Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi stated that at approximately 18:33 hours on Thursday, January 15, 2026, a patrol team acting on credible intelligence stopped a wooden boat laden with the pangolins in wire mesh cages along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete.

“The caged animals indicated a deliberate smuggling syndicate. Upon spotting the officers, the suspects fled into the creeks, abandoning both the pangolins and the boat. To ensure the animals’ welfare, the seized endangered species were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping on January 16, 2026, at 07:00 hours.”

During the handover performed by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC AO Oguntuase, on behalf of Comptroller FOU Zone A,  Comptroller Gambo Aliyu praised the officers’ courage and professionalism during the nighttime operation. This is even as he urged all personnel to remain vigilant against trans-border crimes.

Comptroller Aliyu reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and partnering with stakeholders to eradicate trade in endangered species.

According to the Unit Controller, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR commended the officers for their dedication to CITES enforcement.

He emphasized that the interception highlights his administration’s zero-tolerance stance against saboteurs undermining Nigeria’s CITES compliance and economic stability.