Wildlife Trafficking: FOU A Customs Intercepts Four Live Pangolins Along Ajilete Creeks
Author: Titus Omajali.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday, 15 January 2026, intercepted four live pangolins in Ajilete creeks, Ogun State, in a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against wildlife trafficking.
According to a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, on 19 January 2026, the seizure was made when operatives on patrol, acting on credible intelligence, stopped a wooden boat conveying the endangered animals in wire mesh cages along Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
The statement disclosed that upon sighting Customs officers, the suspected smugglers fled into the creeks, abandoning both the boat and the animals.
The rescued pangolins were subsequently handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping.
According to the release, the handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller, FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
Commending the officers, Comptroller Aliyu said: “This interception reflects the professionalism, courage and commitment of our officers, particularly during night operations. I urge all personnel to remain vigilant and resolute in tackling trans-border crimes, as the Unit will continue to enforce wildlife protection laws and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eradicate the illegal trade in endangered species.”
