Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, have intercepted four live pangolins being smuggled through the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete, during a targeted patrol operation.
The interception followed what the Service described as credible intelligence, which prompted operatives to intensify surveillance along the creek. The animals were found inside wire mesh cages on a wooden boat suspected to be part of an organised wildlife trafficking operation.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the seizure was part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and to enforce international obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, explained that the patrol team stopped the wooden boat at about 6:33 p.m. on January 15, 2026, while it was navigating the waterways of Alapa Creek.
According to him, the manner in which the pangolins were confined suggested a well-coordinated smuggling syndicate.
“A patrol team—acting on credible intelligence—stopped a wooden boat laden with pangolins in wire mesh cages along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete,” Aliyu said.
He added that the suspects abandoned both the animals and the boat and fled into the surrounding creeks on sighting Customs officers, evading arrest.
To safeguard the animals, Aliyu said the endangered species were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on January 16, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. for proper care and protection.
The handover was carried out by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Mr A. O. Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller of FOU Zone A.
Aliyu commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism, noting that the interception was carried out at night under challenging conditions. He urged personnel of the Unit to remain vigilant and proactive in tackling trans-border crimes, particularly those threatening the country’s natural heritage.
He reaffirmed FOU Zone A’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and to working with relevant stakeholders to eradicate the illegal trade in endangered species.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, praised the officers for their dedication to enforcing CITES provisions.
He said the seizure underscored the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against individuals and syndicates that undermine Nigeria’s compliance with international wildlife protection agreements and threaten economic stability through illicit trade.
The NCS said it would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations along Nigeria’s waterways and border communities as part of broader efforts to curb smuggling and protect endangered wildlife.
