The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “B”, has intercepted trafficked pangolins along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa road, reinforcing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and safeguard endangered species.
The seizure, which occurred on March 26, 2026, followed a routine patrol along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa corridor. It comes barely two weeks after a similar operation on March 12, indicating intensified surveillance across the zone.
In a statement released on April 2, 2026, by Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Usman Muhammed, on behalf of Comptroller Aminu Sule, the operation was carried out in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates and restricts trade in endangered wildlife.
Customs operatives reportedly acted on credible intelligence to intercept a suspicious vehicle. A search led to the discovery of live pangolins concealed for illegal transportation.
The rescued animals from both operations have since been moved to the FOU Zone “B” Headquarters in Kaduna for documentation before being handed over to wildlife conservation authorities for rehabilitation.
Comptroller Aminu Sule has ordered a full-scale investigation to dismantle the trafficking network behind the operation. He noted that the repeated interceptions within a short period reflect the unit’s heightened vigilance.
> “This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not serve as a transit point or safe haven for wildlife traffickers,” he stated.
Pangolins are considered the most trafficked mammals globally, largely due to high demand for their meat and scales in illegal markets.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing both national laws and international treaties to protect endangered species and preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity.
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