The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a significant achievement in combating wildlife crime, with the seizure of 9,493 kg of pangolin scales in one of the largest busts seen in recent years.
Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), shared this development in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday in Lagos.
He characterized the operation as a decisive action in the global battle against wildlife trafficking.
“The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 kg of pangolin scales, leading to two arrests,” Mr. Adeniyi revealed. “In Lagos, we seized 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales, resulting in two additional arrests.”
In total, four individuals were apprehended: two in Kano and two in Lagos. These latest seizures bring the cumulative amount of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) to nearly 20 tonnes since 2021, indicating the loss of over 30,000 pangolins.
“This historic operation, carried out in collaboration with WJC, showcases NCS’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal networks that traffic endangered species across Africa,” he added.
Mr. Adeniyi explained that the coordinated operations, executed on August 8, specifically targeted criminal syndicates engaged in the international trade of pangolin scales. “In the Kano/Kaduna area, officers successfully seized 2.293 tonnes of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects,” he noted. “Simultaneously, a major haul of 7.2 tonnes was recovered in Lagos, where two more suspects were apprehended.”
He further stated, “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 fighting wildlife crime.
“Since 2021, the NCS, in partnership with the Wildlife Justice Commission, has seized nearly 20 tons of pangolin scales, equating to over 30,000 pangolins lost to illegal poaching and trade,” Mr. Adeniyi emphasized.
The NCS vowed to enhance its efforts to bring those responsible to justice. “We are actively working with other law enforcement agencies to identify additional suspects involved in these cases,” the NCS stated. “We will not rest until all those responsible for these heinous acts are apprehended and prosecuted.”
Mr. Adeniyi highlighted that the cumulative total of 9,493 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in a single day represents a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife crime and is the largest pangolin scale seizure in a single day worldwide since January 2020.
“This achievement is a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in wildlife conservation and its commitment to protecting endangered species,” he affirmed. He condemned the threat posed to pangolins and other endangered wildlife, reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to collaborating with international partners to combat wildlife crime at its source.
“As traffickers exploit new smuggling routes, the NCS is expanding its enforcement operations beyond ports and major cities,” he added, focusing on supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas where illegal wildlife products frequently enter the country.
Mr. Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the WJC 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,” he said.
Additionally, the national coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Abim Isafiade, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to combating transnational wildlife crime. “Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in our effort to support the global community in everything it takes to fight wildlife crime,” he stated.
“Enforcement is just a part of the process; we will also 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 concluded.
