War Against Pangolin Smugglers
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS’s) Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Lagos State takes the war against smuggling in endangered species to the domain of the illicit traders, in the process the Unit intercepts six Pangolins in Oyo State
By Innocent Chukwu
The Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni-led Nigeria Customs Service (NCS’s) Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Lagos, would not permit smugglers in endangered species to have a foothold in the entire South west geopolitical zone. Under DC Afeni’s watch as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of FOU Zone A, the Command has remained diligent in combating smugglers against illicit trading in pangolins. Just last week, the Command intercepted another set of pangolins which were about to be smuggled. The seizure of six pangolins at Eruwa-Oni, Oyo State, in a renewed effort to combat illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife species, made it the second of such seizures within a period of one month. The feat has sent red signals to die-hard smugglers that it is no longer business as usual in the geopolitical zone being policed by the FOU Zone A.
The interception was made at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during an intelligence-led patrol. The pangolins were abandoned by their handlers, who fled on sighting the patrol team of DOU.
All six pangolins were recovered alive and taken to the Unit’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. However, two died on arrival, while four remained alive.
In line with the Service’s commitment to environmental protection and preservation of endangered species, the four live pangolins and the two carcasses were formally handed over to relevant wildlife officials for proper documentation and further action.
The handover was performed by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of FOU Zone A Enforcement Unit, DC AO Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Lagos.
The interception underscored the NCS’s commitment to combating illegal exploitation and trafficking of protected wildlife species, and its role in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Oguntuase reiterated the Unit’s readiness to protect endangered species which he said is a shared responsibility, and called on members of the public to support law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information that would assist in identifying and apprehending persons involved in illegal capture, possession, transportation and trafficking of protected wildlife.
