The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “B,” has intercepted live pangolins along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa road, as part of efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

The interception took place on March 26, 2026, following an earlier operation on March 12, according to a statement on Thursday by the unit’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Usman Muhammed, indicating heightened surveillance across the corridor.

Mr Muhammed noted that the operation was conducted in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), adding that operatives acted on credible intelligence to intercept a suspicious vehicle during a routine patrol.

“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of live pangolins concealed for illegal transportation,” the statement said.

The statement added that the rescued animals from both operations were moved to the FOU Zone “B” Headquarters in Kaduna for documentation and processing before being handed over to relevant wildlife conservation authorities for rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the Customs Comptroller, Aminu Sule, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to dismantle the trafficking network behind the illegal activity.

Mr Sule said, “The frequency of these interceptions, twice within a fortnight, demonstrates our heightened surveillance and operational vigilance.

“This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not serve as a transit point or haven for wildlife traffickers.”

He said pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally, driven by demand for their meat and scales in illegal markets.

He added that the service reiterated its commitment to enforcing national laws and international agreements aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity.