The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has rescued three endangered pangolins suspected to have been targeted by wildlife traffickers at Abeokuta Waterside, Ogun State. The animals were discovered during an intelligence-led patrol, concealed in sacks and confined in wire-mesh cages.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, by the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the suspected smugglers abandoned the animals and fled after sighting the operatives. He said the manner in which the pangolins were packaged suggested possible links to an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate.
The Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, subsequently handed over the rescued animals to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat. Ibrahim said pangolins were protected under Nigerian law and warned that wildlife trafficking carried serious legal consequences, including possible fines and imprisonment under applicable legislation.
Ibrahim commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working with conservation organisations to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.
Receiving the animals, Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation’s Administrative Manager and Supervisor, Isaac Itue Ime, praised the Customs Service for its swift response and assured that the pangolins would receive the necessary care during rehabilitation.
Leave a Reply