FLASH POINT

By Shehu Yahaya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking with the interception of two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa axis.

The operation, which took place on March 12, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., followed a routine stop-and-search exercise by operatives of the Unit. The vehicle conveying the animals was flagged down during a proactive enforcement patrol aimed at curbing smuggling activities in the region.

Customs authorities said the seizure was carried out in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a global agreement that regulates and prohibits trade in endangered wildlife species.

Following the interception, the pangolins were placed in secure cages and transported to the Unit’s headquarters in Kaduna for further assessment. Officials confirmed that each of the animals weighed about 15 kilograms.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, has since directed a comprehensive investigation to trace the origin and intended destination of the trafficked animals.

Speaking on the development, Sule emphasized the Unit’s firm stance against wildlife trafficking, stating that the latest seizure demonstrates that Zone ‘B’ will not serve as a safe corridor for illegal trade.

Pangolins are widely recognized as one of the most trafficked mammals globally, largely due to the demand for their scales and meat. The interception highlights ongoing efforts by the NCS to combat illegal wildlife trade and preserve endangered species.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and international conventions to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity and protect vulnerable wildlife.