CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS LIVE PANGOLINS ALONG KANO–JIGAWA ROUTE IN ANTI-TRAFFICKING CRACKDOWN (PHOTO)
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’, has intercepted live pangolins along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa road in a renewed crackdown on wildlife trafficking.
Operatives of the unit carried out the seizure on March 26, 2026, at about 1 p.m., barely two weeks after a similar operation on March 12, highlighting intensified enforcement efforts across the zone.
The Customs Service described the repeated interceptions as evidence of heightened surveillance along key transit routes used by smugglers.
The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ covers Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued in Kaduna by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, MU Balarabe, the Service said the operation was intelligence-driven.
According to the statement, officers on routine patrol flagged down a suspicious vehicle along the route, leading to a detailed search.
It added that the endangered animals were discovered concealed inside the vehicle.
The recovered pangolins. Credit: Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘B’, Kaduna
“The endangered mammals were discovered hidden in the vehicle during inspection,” the statement noted.
The Service said the seizures were carried out in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a global treaty that prohibits trade threatening the survival of endangered wildlife.
It further disclosed that all animals intercepted in both operations had been moved to its Kaduna headquarters, with arrangements underway to hand them over to appropriate wildlife authorities for proper care.
The statement quoted the Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, as ordering a comprehensive investigation to uncover the syndicate behind the trafficking.
He stressed that the unit would not relent until those involved were brought to justice.
“The frequency of these interceptions — twice within a fortnight — demonstrates our heightened surveillance,” Sule said.
“This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point or safe haven for wildlife traffickers,” he added.
Sule reiterated the Service’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and international agreements, while warning smugglers to desist from using the region as a corridor for illegal wildlife trade.
Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals globally due to the high demand for their scales and meat.
The Nigeria Customs Service said it would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to protect biodiversity and combat wildlife-related crimes.
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