Ogun Customs Rescues 3 Live Pangolins, Hands Them Over For Rehabilitation

By Samuel Egbewole 

‎The endangered animals were abandoned by suspected smugglers in Ogun Waterside after they fled on sighting Customs operatives.

‎The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has rescued three live pangolins abandoned by suspected smugglers in the Ogun Waterside area of Ogun State.

‎The command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Idiroko.

‎Zakari said the patrol team recovered the endangered animals while acting on credible intelligence, adding that the suspected smugglers fled upon sighting Customs operatives.

‎According to him, the pangolins were found tightly bound and concealed in sacks, with officers discovering the animals confined in wire-mesh cages during inspection.

‎He described the method of concealment as cruel and said the packaging suggested the possible involvement of an organised wildlife-smuggling syndicate.

‎Following the recovery, the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, formally handed over the pangolins to Green Finger Wildlife Conservation for rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

‎Zakari said the handover reflected the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and the proper care of rescued wildlife.

‎He added that Ibrahim, during the handover ceremony, noted that pangolins are protected under Nigerian law, including the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.

‎The spokesperson further stated that trafficking in pangolins and their derivatives attracts severe penalties. He said offenders risk fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years under the recently passed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.

‎‎According to Zakari, the acting controller reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to work with Green Finger Wildlife Conservation and other stakeholders to enforce wildlife protection laws and safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity.

‎‎“Our officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations,” Ibrahim was quoted as saying.

‎He added that the command would remain vigilant against trans-border crime and continue collaborating with relevant partners to combat the illegal trade in endangered species.

‎Zakari also quoted the Admin Manager/Supervisor of Green Finger Wildlife Conservation, Mr Isaac Itue Ime, as commending the command for its vigilance and swift action.

‎Ime emphasised the critical role of Customs in combating illegal wildlife trade and assured that the conservation centre would provide the necessary care for the rescued pangolins.

‎The acting area controller also warned smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the command remained prepared to track down and apprehend offenders.