The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has intensified crackdown on endangered species trafficking with the interception of additional live pangolins along the Kano-Takai Jigawa axis.

This is contained in a statement by the acting Public Relations Officer, Zone “B” Kaduna, Mohammed  Balarabe.

According to the statement, the latest seizure, which occurred on March 26 at about 1:00 p.m., marks the second major interception within a fortnight, following a similar operation carried out on March 12.

The seizures were effected in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement to which Nigeria is a signatory, prohibiting trade that threatens the survival of endangered species.

According to the unit, operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted a suspicious vehicle during a routine patrol.

“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the live pangolins concealed within. All rescued animals from both operations have been transported to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna for further processing and eventual handover to relevant wildlife authorities.

“The Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, ordered a comprehensive investigation aimed at dismantling the syndicate behind the illegal trade.

“The frequency of these interceptions, twice within a fortnight, demonstrates our heightened surveillance. This seizure sends a clear message: Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point or a haven for wildlife traffickers,” the statement said.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and international treaties to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity and uphold its global conservation obligations.

Pangolins are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals globally, driven by illegal demand for their scales and meat. 

(NAN)