The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos has arrested two suspects in possession of 15 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 1,014.5kg and worth over N1.7 billion.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, who was represented by customs public relations officer, Joseph Attah, disclosed this at a media chat in Lagos on Monday.

“You will recall that two months ago, NCS acting on credible intelligence provided by our international partners announced wildlife seizure worth over N22 billion with arrested suspects currently facing prosecution.

“In the course of further investigation to arrest other members of the gang, we received another credible intelligence from same international partner, Wild Life Justice Commission, and swiftly deployed our intelligence operatives with the Strike Force as a SWAT team.

“This led to the interception of One Mercedes Benz Bus with registration number BGT 256 LG along Kudirat Abiola Way Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos,” he said.

Mr Ali said, “some foreigners with the active connivance of few Nigerians are bent on using our dear country as a transit route for illegal wildlife trade,” pledging that the agency would use DNA tests conducted on the scales to know which country they emanated from.

He stated that those who bought these things were not Nigerians but from Asian countries and well developed countries, stating that Nigerians that were involved were lured by money to provide warehouses where the parts could be stored.

The CGC said that upon examination, the bus was found to contain the following: Pangolin Scales; 60kg, 35kg, by 54kg, 64kg, 66kg, 58kg, 50kg, 73kg, 61kg, 64kg, 92kg, 89kg, by 60kg, by 92.5kg totalling 1,009.5kg and one sack of Pangolin Claws by 5kg all totalling 1,014.5kg with a DPV of N1. 7 billion.

He named the two suspects already arrested in connection with the seizure as Salif Sanwidi and Sunday Ebenyi, adding that they would be charged to court.

The comptroller general said, “For the avoidance of doubt, illegal wildlife trade contravenes Section 63 “e” and “g” of CEMA Cap 45 LFN 2004.

“Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. As responsible members of the global community, we cannot allow our nation to be used as a conduit pipe for illegal trade on wildlife.”

(NAN)