The Nigeria Customs Service NCS Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone B has intensified its offensive against wildlife trafficking, intercepting additional live pangolins along the Kano Takai Jigawa corridor.
The latest operation, which took place on March 26, 2026, two weeks after a similar seizure recorded on March 12, signalling a sustained crackdown on the illegal trade within the zone.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, acting Spokesperson of the Unit, Mohammed Balarabe, said the interception was intelligence driven, with operatives flagging down a suspicious vehicle during routine patrol.
According to him, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the endangered animals concealed in transit, in violation of existing environmental laws and international conventions.
He noted that the seizures were effected in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which prohibits the exploitation of species threatened with extinction.
Balarabe disclosed that all the rescued animals from both operations have been secured and moved to the FOU Zone B headquarters in Kaduna, pending their transfer to appropriate wildlife authorities.
Commenting on the development, the Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, ordered a full-scale investigation to uncover and dismantle the trafficking network behind the repeated attempts.
He said the back to back interceptions within a fortnight underscore the Unit’s renewed vigilance and operational resolve.
“The frequency of these interceptions within such a short period is not coincidental.
“It reflects our strengthened surveillance and intelligence network.
“Let it be clear that FOU Zone B will not serve as a transit route for wildlife traffickers,” he said.
With pangolins ranked among the most trafficked mammals globally, the NCS maintained that it would sustain enforcement actions to curb the illicit trade and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity in line with its international obligations.
Again, customs bust pangolin smugglers on Kano – Jigawa route
