The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna has seized two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa axis, authorities said on Tuesday. The move is part of a renewed effort to combat wildlife trafficking in the region.
Comptroller Aminu Sule, head of FOU Zone ‘B’, disclosed that the interception occurred on March 12, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation informed by intelligence. The vehicle carrying the endangered animals was stopped at around 10:00 a.m., and the pangolins were found hidden inside.
Sule explained that the seizure aligns with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits illegal trade in endangered wildlife. The pangolins, each weighing approximately 15 kilograms, were carefully placed in secure cages and transported to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna for further assessment.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to trace the origin and intended destination of the animals. Sule warned wildlife traffickers that Zone ‘B’ would no longer be a safe corridor for smuggling, emphasizing the Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species.
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“Let this serve as a warning that the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ will not be used as a transit route for illegal wildlife trade. Our operatives remain vigilant and committed to dismantling networks involved in the smuggling of endangered species,” he said.
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals worldwide, driven by demand for their scales and meat. The Customs Service pledged to continue enforcement operations to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity and uphold international conservation obligations.
