The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “B”, has intercepted live pangolins along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa road, reinforcing its ongoing crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking and efforts to protect endangered species.
The seizure, which took place on 26 March 2026 during a routine patrol, followed a similar operation conducted on 12 March, underscoring heightened surveillance across the corridor.
In a statement issued on 2 April 2026 by the Unit’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Usman Muhammed, on behalf of the Customs Comptroller, Aminu Sule, the operation was carried out in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates and prohibits trade in threatened wildlife species.
According to the statement, operatives acted on credible intelligence to intercept a suspicious vehicle. A subsequent search led to the discovery of live pangolins concealed for illegal transportation.
The rescued animals from both interceptions have been transported to the FOU Zone “B” Headquarters in Kaduna for documentation and processing. They are expected to be handed over to relevant wildlife conservation authorities for rehabilitation and proper care.
Comptroller Sule has directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and dismantle the trafficking network behind the illegal activity.
He noted that the repeated interceptions within a short period reflect increased operational vigilance, warning that the zone will not serve as a transit route for wildlife traffickers.
Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals globally, driven by demand for their meat and scales in illicit markets.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment, particularly through FOU Zone “B”, to enforcing national laws and international agreements aimed at safeguarding endangered species and preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.
