Customs intercepts three live pangolins in Ogun, transfers them for care

Customs officers have intercepted three live pangolins at Abeokuta waterside in Ogun State and transferred the animals to a wildlife conservation organisation for rehabilitation.

The Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, said its patrol team acted on intelligence and found the animals in wire-mesh cages concealed inside sacks. Suspected smugglers fled when they saw the officers, according to the command.

Command spokesperson Chado Zakari disclosed the seizure in a statement made available on Thursday. He said the packaging suggested an organised smuggling operation.

Acting Customs Area Controller Abdulhamid Ibrahim handed the animals to the conservation organisation for care and eventual release into a protected habitat.

Ibrahim warned against trafficking pangolins and their derivatives, saying the animals were protected under Nigeria’s Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.

Isaac Ime, who received the animals on behalf of the conservation organisation, said it would provide the care needed for their rehabilitation and eventual release.

Sources: Premium Times, Punch