The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has intercepted four live pangolins during a targeted patrol operation along Alapa Creek in Ajilete community, Ogun State.
The interception was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Hussaini Abdullahi, a Chief Superintendent of Customs. He said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence received by officers attached to the unit.
According to the statement, the patrol team stopped a wooden boat conveying the endangered animals at about 6.33 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The pangolins were discovered inside wire mesh cages, indicating an organised attempt to smuggle the protected species through the waterways.
Abdullahi said, “At approximately 18:33 hours on Thursday, January 15, 2026, a patrol team acting on credible intelligence stopped a wooden boat laden with pangolins in wire mesh cages along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete. The caged animals indicated a deliberate smuggling syndicate. Upon sighting our officers, the suspects fled into the creeks, abandoning both the pangolins and the boat.”
He explained that the seized pangolins were immediately secured and later handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The handover, he added, was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement at the unit, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Customs Area Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
The Comptroller commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism, particularly as the interception took place during a night patrol. He urged personnel of the service to remain vigilant and committed in the fight against trans border crimes.
Aliyu reaffirmed the unit’s resolve to enforce wildlife protection laws and work closely with relevant stakeholders to end the illegal trade in endangered species.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, also praised the officers for their dedication to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. He said the interception reflected the service’s zero tolerance for activities that undermine Nigeria’s commitment to biodiversity protection and economic stability.
Pangolins are listed under international protection due to the threat posed by illegal wildlife trade, with Nigeria being a key transit point for trafficked species.
