Customs FOU ‘A’ intercepts four live pangolins in Ajilete creeks

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded 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) as it operatives intercepted four live pangolins during a targeted patrol.

In a statement issued by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hussaini Abdullahi, the endangered species were intercepted
at approximately 18:33 hours on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after 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.

He said the caged animals indicated a deliberate smuggling syndicate as the suspects fled into the creeks upon spotting the officers, 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.

“The handover was performed by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC AO Oguntuase, on behalf of Comptroller FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, ” the statement said.

Comptroller Aliyu praised the officers’ courage and professionalism during the nighttime operation urging all personnel to remain vigilant against trans-border crimes.

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

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi also 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.