CUSTOMS RESCUES 3 ENDANGERED PANGOLINS IN OGUN, WARNS WILDLIFE TRAFFICKERS

Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have rescued three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation, after suspected traffickers abandoned the animals and fled.

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, said its officers intercepted the consignment along the Oyo Dam axis in Igbo-Ora on October 12.

Acting on intelligence, the patrol team discovered the animals inside a wire-mesh cage concealed in a sack. The suspects reportedly escaped into a nearby swamp after spotting the officers.

Announcing the rescue in a statement on Sunday, Acting Comptroller Oladapo Afeni praised the team’s vigilance and swift response.

Afeni, represented by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement Oluwaseun Oguntuase, said the interception formed part of efforts to protect wildlife and disrupt trafficking networks.

The three pangolins have been handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for care and rehabilitation.

The Customs chief warned those involved in illegal wildlife trading to stop, saying the unit would sustain intelligence-led patrols and cooperation with other agencies.

He stressed that protecting endangered animals remained an important part of safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity.