Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone A, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, have intercepted four live pangolins. This spectacular breakthrough represents a significant victory in protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and upholding commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES.

The four live pangolins were intercepted during a targeted patrol on the Ajilete Creeks in Lagos.

According to a statement on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the seizure followed the deployment of credible intelligence by the operatives.

According to him: “At approximately 18:33 hours on Thursday, January 15, 2026, a patrol team, acting on credible intelligence stopped a wooden boat laden with the pangolins in wire mesh cages along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete. The caged animals indicated a deliberate smuggling syndicate.

“Upon spotting the officers, the suspects fled into the creeks, abandoning both the pangolins and the boat. To ensure the animals’ welfare, the seized endangered species were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping on January 16, 2026, at 07:00 hours. The handover was performed by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, DC AO Oguntuase, on behalf of Comptroller FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu.”

Meanwhile, Comptroller Aliyu, while speaking on the spectacular seizure, praised the officers’ courage and professionalism during the nighttime operation. He urged all personnel to remain vigilant against trans-border crimes.

Comptroller Aliyu, which took over the reins of power at the Unit barely one month ago, reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and partnering stakeholders to eradicate trade in endangered species.

The Comptroller-General of Customs CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who also reacted to the seizure, commended the officers for their dedication to CITES enforcement.

The CGC emphasised that the interception highlights his administration’s zero-tolerance against saboteurs, who undermine Nigeria’s compliance with CITES and economic stability of the country.