SPOTLIGHTS
- Pangolin scales worth N3.9 billion seized by Nigerian Customs
- One suspect arrested, another remains at large
- The operation highlights concerns about the illegal wildlife trade and its links to other criminal networks
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone “B” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kaduna, has intercepted pangolin scales worth N3.9 billion in Kebbi State.
Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, head of the zone, told journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday that his operatives, acting on intelligence, raided a slaughterhouse in Kebbi State on May 24, 2024. He emphasised the unit’s commitment to protecting pangolins and other endangered species from extinction, in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The seized scales weighed 445.45kg. Shuaibu stated that the NCS would continue collaborating with CITES to prevent the extinction of such species, highlighting Nigeria’s status as a signatory to the CITES convention.
One suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure, while the primary suspect remains at large. Shuaibu assured the public that the NCS is working with other security agencies to apprehend the fugitive.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, the operatives stormed a hideout known as a (slaughterhouse) in the suburbs of Zuru Town in Kebbi State on Friday, May 24, 2024, at about 1600hrs. The team discovered and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales which were transported to the HQ of FOU Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna. After careful examination and counting, the pangolin scales weighed 445.45kg,” he explained.
He reiterated that trading in pangolin, a CITES-protected species, is illegal. He estimated the value of the seized scales at the international market to be N3,955,596,000.00 (three billion, nine hundred and fifty-five million, five hundred and ninety-six thousand Naira).
Shuaibu highlighted the collaborative efforts between the NCS, the Wildlife Office, and the unit’s operatives in successfully intercepting the illegal shipment. He also expressed concern that endangered species trafficking could be a front for money laundering, potentially funding illicit activities like drug and arms smuggling.