The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, intercepted two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa route, as part of renewed efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
The Comptroller of the unit, Aminu Sule, said in a statement on Tuesday that the interception followed continuous surveillance across key transit corridors. Zone ‘B’ covers Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Sule noted that the seizure occurred on March 12, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation. The vehicle carrying the endangered animals was intercepted around 10:00 a.m. as part of an intelligence-driven enforcement exercise. The pangolins were reportedly hidden in the vehicle, prompting immediate action by the operatives.
He explained that the operation aligns with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which bans illegal trade in endangered wildlife. The animals were carefully secured in appropriate cages and taken to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna for further examination.
A physical assessment revealed that each pangolin weighed approximately 15 kilogrammes. Sule also announced a full-scale investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the animals.
“This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point for wildlife traffickers,” he stated, emphasizing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species.
He added, “This interception underscores our renewed determination to crack down on wildlife traffickers operating within the Kano–Jigawa corridor and beyond. 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.”
Pangolins are considered the most trafficked mammals worldwide due to high demand for their scales and meat. The Customs Service pledged to maintain enforcement operations to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and meet international conservation obligations.