The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 9,493 kilograms of pangolin scales in one of the largest wildlife crime busts in recent years, according to a statement by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi described the operation as a significant victory in the global fight against wildlife trafficking. The coordinated efforts in Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos led to the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of pangolin scales destined for international markets.
“In the Kano/Kaduna operation, 2,293 kilograms of pangolin scales were seized, resulting in two arrests. Simultaneously, a seizure of 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales was made in Lagos, with two more suspects apprehended,” Adeniyi stated.
The operations were conducted in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), underscoring NCS’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade. Adeniyi noted that these seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS and WJC since 2021 to nearly 20 tonnes, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolins.
“These illicit goods were being stockpiled for shipment to buyers in Asia. This joint operation marks the largest global seizure of pangolin scales since January 2020, highlighting NCS’s vital role in combating wildlife crime,” Adeniyi added.
He emphasized that Nigeria is leading efforts to protect endangered species and vowed to continue working with law enforcement agencies to apprehend all individuals involved in wildlife trafficking.
The NCS’s Special Wildlife Office also pledged to ensure that perpetrators face justice, sending a clear message to traffickers that Nigeria remains resolute in preserving its natural heritage.
