Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Wildlife Trafficking, Intercepts Pangolins in Kano
Author: Ifunanya Ogbodo.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “B” has thwarted the illegal trafficking of live pangolins along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa road, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
The interception occurred on 26 March, 2026, during a routine patrol along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa corridor. This operation follows a similar successful interception carried out earlier on 12 March, 2026, highlighting the unit’s intensified surveillance.
In an official 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 conducted in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement that regulates and prohibits trade in wildlife species threatened with extinction.
According to the statement, operatives acted on credible intelligence to intercept a suspicious vehicle during patrol operations. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the live pangolins concealed for illegal transportation.
All the rescued animals from both operations were subsequently conveyed to the FOU Zone “B” Headquarters in Kaduna for documentation and processing before being handed over to the appropriate wildlife conservation authorities for proper care and rehabilitation.
The Customs Comptroller Aminu Sule has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to uncover and dismantle the trafficking network responsible for the illegal activity.
“The frequency of these interceptions twice within a fortnight demonstrates our heightened surveillance and operational vigilance. This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not serve as a transit point or safe haven for wildlife traffickers.” He stated
According to him, Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals in the world, largely due to the high demand for their meat and scales in illegal wildlife markets.
The statement reiterated NCS, particularly FOU B, commitment to enforcing national laws and international treaties aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.
