Customs Seize Live Pangolins, Warn Wildlife Traffickers

Samira Usman Adam
Samira Usman Adam - Presenter/PR & Partnership Lead
2 Min Read

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted two live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation.

The seizure was carried out by the Federal Operations Unit Zone B along the Kano–Jigawa road corridor.

Customs officers discovered the animals during a stop-and-search operation conducted on March 12, 2026.

Officials said a suspicious vehicle was flagged down during a routine enforcement patrol.

A search of the vehicle revealed two live pangolins hidden inside the car.

Each pangolin weighed about 15 kilograms, according to the customs statement.

Read Also: Nigeria Customs Honours Retiring DCG Nnadi and ACG Egwu

The animals were secured in special cages and transported safely to the unit headquarters in Kaduna.

Comptroller Aminu Sule confirmed the seizure.

He ordered a full investigation to identify the source and intended destination of the trafficked animals.

The customs command warned that the zone will not serve as a transit route for wildlife trafficking.

Pangolins are considered among the most trafficked mammals in the world.

The operation aligns with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Customs officials said the operation demonstrates commitment to protecting biodiversity.

The agency also pledged continued enforcement against illegal wildlife trade networks across Nigeria.

Share This Article
Presenter/PR & Partnership Lead
Follow:
Samira Usman Adam is a multimedia journalist, PR practitioner, and communication strategist with over a decade of experience in media and community engagement. Her work focuses on storytelling, digital innovation, and strategic communication that drives social impact. She is passionate about empowering young people, amplifying underrepresented voices, and building platforms that strengthen media practice and leadership across communities.