Nigeria Customs Intercepts Four Live Pangolins in Ogun State Anti-Trafficking Operation

OGUN STATE, Nigeria – Nigeria Customs Service Ogun I Command has rescued four live pangolins from suspected wildlife traffickers during a pre-dawn operation along the Yemoamota-Igboora corridor on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The endangered animals, found concealed in wire-mesh cages inside a sack on a motorcycle, have been handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for rehabilitation.

Customs operatives intercepted the motorcycle at approximately 3:00 a.m. during a night patrol following intelligence reports, according to Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the Command’s Public Relations Officer.

Four Live Pangolins in Ogun State

The suspects abandoned the motorcycle and fled into nearby bushland when they spotted officers approaching, leaving the pangolins behind.

The operation took place along the Yemoamota–Abule–Igboora and Ebute-Igboora axis, a route known for illicit cross-border activities. Officials said the sophisticated concealment method indicated the involvement of an organized smuggling network.

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Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello, Acting Deputy Controller (Administration), formally transferred the rescued animals to conservation authorities on Friday, February 13, 2026, on behalf of Acting Customs Area Controller Oladapo Afeni.

Afeni praised the officers’ professionalism and intelligence-driven approach, warning that the Command remains committed to dismantling wildlife trafficking networks operating in the region.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and pledged continued collaboration with conservation organizations and security agencies to combat illegal wildlife trade.

Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, prized for their scales and meat in illegal markets.