Ogun 1 Customs Saves Four Live Pangolins in a Major Bust

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command has handed over intercepted four live pangolins to representatives of Wildlife Conservation Centre, reflecting the Service’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The successful operation which took place along the Yemoamota-Igboora axis, on Thursday, 12 February 2026, underscored the resolve to wildlife conservation by combatting illegal trafficking of endangered species.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSC Chado Zakari on Saturday, patrol team officers, acting on credible intelligence around 3.00am, uncovered four live pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed in a sac, after intercepting  a motorcycle on Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora, and Ebute Igboora axis.

Upon inspection, the officers observed that the sophisticated nature of the packaging brought suspicious involvement of an organized smuggling syndicate.

“Having realised they were caught, the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and the endangered species, to evade arrest, vanishing into the thick terrain as the evening fog rolled in”.

Speaking on the development, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, DC Oladapo Afeni acknowledged the remarkable and professionalism displayed by the officers throughout the operation, stressing “The Command remain steadfast in our vigilance against trans-border crime and committed to collaborating with our partners to eliminate the illegal trade of endangered species”.

Afeni warned smugglers and traffickers to stay clear of endangered wildlife, emphasising the Command remains ‘battle-ready’ and fully equipped to track down and apprehend anyone undermining the law.

The pangolins were thereafter handed over to the representatives of Wildlife Conservation Centre on 13 February 2026 by Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello (Ag. DC Admin) on behalf of the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Oladapo Afeni.