The operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service attached to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A have intercepted four live pangolins in the Ajilete creeks area of Ogun State.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the operation served as a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against wildlife trafficking.
During the operation, the seizure was made when operatives on patrol, acting on credible intelligence, stopped a wooden boat conveying the endangered animals in wire mesh cages along Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
The statement disclosed that upon sighting Customs officers, the suspected smugglers fled into the creeks, abandoning both the boat and the animals.
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The rescued pangolins were subsequently handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping.
The statement further disclosed that the handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller, FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
Commending the officers, Comptroller Aliyu said, “This interception reflects the professionalism, courage and commitment of our officers, particularly during night operations. I urge all personnel to remain vigilant and resolute in tackling trans-border crimes, as the Unit will continue to enforce wildlife protection laws and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eradicate the illegal trade in endangered species.”
