The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, an anti-smuggling arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , has intercepted and rescued four live pangolins during a targeted patrol.
The Public Relations Officer of the unit, SC Hussaini Abdullahi, in a statement made available to the Journalist, said the interception was a significant victory in protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and upholding commitments, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The image maker indicated that operatives on patrol swooped on Thursday, January 15, 2026, around 18:33 hours, acting on credible intelligence, on a wooden boat laden with the pangolins in wire mesh cages along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
The caged animals indicated a deliberate smuggling syndicate. Upon spotting the officers, the suspects fled into the creeks, abandoning both the pangolins and the boat.
To ensure the welfare of the animals, the seized endangered species were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping on January 16, 2026, at 7:00 hours
The handover was performed by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC AO Oguntuase, on behalf of Comptroller FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.
Comptroller Aliyu praised the officers’ courage and professionalism during the nighttime operation, urging all personnel to remain vigilant against trans-border crimes.
Comptroller Aliyu reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and partnering with stakeholders to eradicate trade in endangered species.
