Ogun Customs hands over four seized live pangolins to conservation centre

Operatives of the Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted four live pangolins along the Yemoamota-Igboora axis of the State.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chado Zakari, the pangolins were intercepted on Thursday at about 3:am when officers acting on credible intelligence intercepted a motorcycle in the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora, and Ebute Igboora axis of the command.

He said upon inspection, officers discovered four pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed within a sack.

“The seizure underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“At about 0300 hours, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, a patrol team acting on credible intelligence intercepted a motorcycle in the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora, and Ebute Igboora axis of the command.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered four pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed within a sack. The sophisticated nature of the packaging suggests the involvement of an organized smuggling syndicate.

“To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and the endangered species, vanishing into the thick terrain as the evening fog rolled in, ” the statement said.

He said after the seizure, the command
pioritized the animals’ welfare and transferred the pangolins to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on Friday.

He said the handover was conducted by the Ag. Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello on behalf of the Ag. Area Controller, Oladapo Afeni.

Afeni commended the officers, whom he said acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations.

“We remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade of endangered species, ” he said.

Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife, urging them to desist and emphasized that the Command remains ‘battle-ready’ and fully equipped to track down and apprehend anyone undermining the law.