By Khadija Muhammed
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun 1 Command has intercepted four live pangolins, a critically endangered species, in a daring operation along the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora route in Ogun State.
Deputy Superintendent Chado Zakari, the Command’s spokesperson, revealed the interception in a statement released Saturday in Ota.
Furthermore, he emphasized that this bust reflects the NCS’s steadfast dedication to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
At approximately 3:00 a.m, a patrol team, acting on precise intelligence, halted a motorcycle transporting the animals.
In a bid to evade capture, the smugglers fled into the dense landscape, abandoning both the bike and animals.
Moreover, the Customs team swiftly prioritized the pangolins’ welfare, transferring them to the Wildlife Conservation Centre, with Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello overseeing the handover on behalf of Acting Area Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Afeni applauded the team’s bravery and professionalism and reiterated the command’s unyielding resolve to combat wildlife trafficking.
He warned smugglers that the command remains fully prepared to track down and arrest anyone undermining these vital conservation laws.
