Landmark  Seizure :NCS  FOU Zone ‘B’ Kaduna Intercepts Illegal Pangolin Trade Worth Over ₦3.9 Billion

Landmark  Seizure :NCS  FOU Zone ‘B’ Kaduna Intercepts Illegal Pangolin Trade Worth Over ₦3.9 Billion

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Nigerian Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna has made a landmark seizure of pangolin scales worth approximately ₦3.9 billion in the international market. The announcement was made by Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu during a media briefing on June 5, 2024.
He said,”Acting on actionable intelligence the operatives stormed a hideout known as (slaughter house) 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.

“Let me once again explain that the pangolin specie is one of the endangered species that is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flaura (CITES).
It is instructive that Nigeria is  signatory to the CITES Convention and all forms of trading in this species are clearly illegal.
The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to partner CITES to forestall the identified species from going into extinction.”

Comptroller Shuaibu informed that the  445.45kg pangolin scales , were discovered in a hideout referred to as the “slaughter house” in the outskirts of Zuru Town, Kebbi State. The seizure ,he noted ,underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to combating the illegal trade in endangered species, which is a direct violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The anti Smuggling Czar noted that One suspect was  apprehended in connection with the seizure, while efforts are ongoing to capture the main suspect, who remains at large. The successful operation, which was carried out without any casualties, highlights the effective intelligence sharing between the Customs Service and the Wildlife Office.

Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the broader implications of wildlife trafficking, suggesting that it often serves as a front for money laundering activities linked to the procurement of drugs, arms, and other illegal goods. He urged the public to support the Customs Service in its fight against smuggling to protect the nation’s wildlife and uphold the government’s policies in accordance with international standards.**
“l wish to call on the general public to continue to cooperate and stand with the NCS on its fight against smuggling. We must work together to salvage this country and to actualize the dream of our founding fathers” Comptroller Shuaibu stated.

He affirmed that the Customs Service remains resolute in its mission, undeterred by any negative campaigns, and is determined to continue its enforcement actions to prevent the extinction of endangered species like the pangolin.