The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has intercepted two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa axis.
The arrest took place on March 12, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., when operatives of the Unit, during a routine stop-and-search operation, flagged down a suspicious vehicle as part of an intensified enforcement sweep.
The seizure was carried out in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits trade that threatens the survival of endangered wildlife.
Following the interception, the animals were secured in appropriate cages and transported to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna. A physical assessment revealed that each pangolin weighed approximately 15 kilogrammes.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, has since ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the source and intended destination of the trafficked animals.
“This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point for wildlife traffickers”, he stated.
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally, and the interception highlights the Unit’s sustained efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and international agreements aimed at protecting the country’s biodiversity.