Customs Seizes Pangolin Scales, Ivory And Other Items Worth N362m

The Nigeria Customs Service says its Adamawa/Taraba command has seized pangolin scales, ivory tusks and other prohibited items valued at more than N362 million.

The command said the interception was part of renewed anti-smuggling operations across the two states. The seized items included 220kg of pangolin scales, 74kg of ivory tusks, donkey products, petrol, cannabis and vehicles.

Punch reported that Customs Area Controller Mohammed Tako gave the details at the command headquarters in Yola on Wednesday. He said five suspects were arrested and were being investigated.

Daily Post reported the total Duty Paid Value as N362,204,543.91 and identified the comptroller as Mohammed Aminu Tanko. It also reported that the seizure followed six weeks of intelligence-driven operations.

The wildlife items make the case more than a routine border seizure. Pangolin scales and ivory are tied to illegal wildlife trade, while the petrol, cannabis and donkey products point to a wider smuggling route through the area.

Sources: Punch and Daily Post.