The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has taken another bold step in the global fight against wildlife trafficking, seizing 9,493 kg of pangolin scales in one of the largest wildlife crime busts in recent years.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said “The Kano/Kaduna operation successfully seized 2,293 kg of pangolin scales, leading to two arrests, while a major haul of 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales were recovered in Lagos, simultaneously, where two more suspects were apprehended.
“Four persons were arrested in connection with these operations: two in Kano and two in Lagos.“These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tonnes since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolins,” Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller General said that the historic operation, conducted in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission, highlights the NCS’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal networks trafficking endangered species, particularly across Africa.
According to him, the two coordinated operations, which took place on August 8, 2024, targeted criminal syndicates involved in the international trade of pangolin scales.
“These illicit goods, sourced from other West African countries, were being stockpiled for shipment to buyers in Asia. This joint operation marks the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020, underscoring NCS’s critical role in combating wildlife crime. He said.
“Since 2021, the NCS, in partnership with the Wildlife Justice Commission, has seized nearly 20 tons of pangolin scales, an equivalent of over 30,000 pangolins lost to illegal poaching and trade”. Adeyini said.
The NCS vowed to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Adeniyi said that the NCS was actively working with other law enforcement agencies to identify additional suspects involved in these cases. It will not rest until all those responsible for these heinous acts are apprehended and prosecuted.
According to him, the cumulative total of 9.493 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in a single day marks a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife crime and represents the largest pangolin scale seizure in one day worldwide since January 2020.
The Comptroller General said that the achievement is a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in wildlife conservation and its dedication to safeguarding endangered species.
Describing as unacceptable, the threat posed to pangolins and other endangered wildlife, Adeniyi declared that Nigeria was committed to collaborating with international partners to stop wildlife crime at its source.
He said that as traffickers continue to exploit new smuggling routes, the NCS was expanding its enforcement operations beyond ports and major cities, and focusing on supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas where illegal wildlife products frequently enter the country
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He expressed the gratitude of the NCS to the Wildlife Justice Commission for its consistent support over the past four years. “The Wildlife Justice Commission has been a vital partner in our efforts, and we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration as a model for dismantling transnational wildlife crime networks,” Adeniyi said.
For the National Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptoller Abim Isafiade “Nigeria Customs Service will not relent on our effort to support the global community in everything it takes to fight wildlife crime. “Enforcement is just a part of the process, we will equally ensure that perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.
“This successful operation sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its natural heritage and the global effort to end the illegal wildlife trade.” He added.
