Nigerian customs rescue three live pangolins from suspected traffickers in Ogun
Officers found the animals caged and hidden in sacks at a waterside in Abeokuta. The suspects fled, and the pangolins have gone to a conservation group for release.
Abeokuta — Nigerian customs officers have seized three live pangolins in what they describe as a suspected wildlife-trafficking operation in Ogun State, Premium Times reports.
The animals were intercepted at a waterside in Abeokuta by officers of the Ogun I Area Command, acting on intelligence. They were found confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed inside sacks, according to the command's spokesperson, Chado Zakari.
The suspected traffickers fled when they saw the customs patrol. No arrests were reported.
Handed over for release
The acting customs area controller, Abdulhamid Ibrahim, handed the pangolins to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation. Isaac Ime, an administrative manager at the organisation, received them. They will be rehabilitated and then released into protected habitat.
Customs said offenders face fines of up to ₦12 million and prison terms of up to 10 years under Nigeria's endangered species legislation.
A trafficking hub
Pangolins are the only mammals covered in scales, and they are among the most trafficked wild animals in the world. Their scales are used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia and their meat is eaten as a delicacy. International trade in all eight species is banned.
Nigeria has been identified as a major transit hub for the trade. Premium Times notes that earlier seizures in the country have involved very large quantities of scales, most of them destined for export.
Live seizures are less common than seizures of scales, and offer a rare chance to return animals to the wild.
This report is based on reporting by Premium Times.
