The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rescued eight live pangolins in two separate anti-smuggling operations in Oyo and Ogun States, reaffirming its commitment to combating illegal wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.
The eight animals were intercepted in separate operations: three pangolins along the Oyo Dam/Igbo-Ora axis of Oyo State on 12 October 2026, and five more along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State on 23 October 2026. During the latter operation, Customs officers acting on credible intelligence intercepted the animals confined in wire-mesh cages. At the same time, the suspected traffickers abandoned them and fled upon sighting the patrol team.
The five pangolins rescued in Ogun State were subsequently handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat. Speaking during the handover, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, said the interceptions within a short period underscored the need for extensive investigations to identify and dismantle the syndicates behind wildlife trafficking.
Describing pangolins as among the world’s most trafficked mammals, Oguntuase warned: “This seizure is another clear warning to those involved in the illegal wildlife trade that Nigeria’s borders and transport corridors remain under active surveillance.”
He reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and collaboration with conservation agencies to protect endangered species.
Receiving the animals, Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre commended the Service for its vigilance and prompt intervention, assuring that the organisation would provide the necessary care and work towards their rehabilitation and eventual release into a safe, protected environment.
In a related development, FOU Zone A has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following a familiarisation visit by the Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Psanwang, to the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, 31 October 2026. Psanwang led a delegation of NYSC management staff and was received by the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Oladapo Afeni.
DC Afeni acknowledged the NYSC scheme’s role in promoting national unity and integration, noting that over 80 Corps members currently serve in the Unit. He said, “The NYSC scheme plays a fundamental role in promoting national unity and integration, and the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting its activities.” He assured the delegation of the Unit’s readiness to sustain its cordial relationship with the scheme.
In her remarks, Psanwang commended the Unit for providing a welcoming and supportive working environment for Corps members, noting that feedback from those serving in the Unit reflected positive experiences.
She appreciated its open-door policy and called for sustained cooperation between both organisations.
