Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ rescues five live pangolins in Ogun
Lagos, Oct. 2026(TBL Africa) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, has intercepted five live pangolins during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation along Ogun corridor.
The Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.
He said that the operation was carried out at about 1:18 a.m. on Friday along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun, following credible intelligence on suspected movement of endangered wildlife species.
Acting on the intelligence, the FOU Zone ‘A’ patrol team intercepted the pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner intended to evade detection by security operatives.
The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the endangered animals and fled immediately upon sighting customs officers, leaving behind the cages and other items used for transportation.
In line with its commitment to wildlife welfare, the Service formally handed over the rescued pangolins to Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release.
The handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Speaking during the handover, Oguntuase said the interception within seven days in separate operations, underscored the need for extensive investigation to dismantle smuggling syndicates behind illicit wildlife movement.
He said the operation reflects the Service’s renewed resolve to combat wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under CITES and the Endangered Species Act.
The command had also intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation along Oyan Dam near Igbo-Ora in Ogun State on Oct. 12.
The seizure was effected on Monday Oct. 12, at approximately 09:05 hours, when officers of the unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a sack conveying the endangered animals concealed in wire-mesh cage.
Oguntuase had said that upon sighting the customs patrol team, the suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into the surrounding swamp, leaving behind the animals.
“Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals. This seizure is a clear warning that Nigeria’s borders and transport corridors remain under active surveillance,” Oguntuase said.
Receiving the animals, Dr Austin Tochukwu of Greenfingers commended Customs for its vigilance, assuring that the centre would provide care and work towards rehabilitating and releasing them into protected habitat.
