Operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) have successfully intercepted four live pangolins in a foiled wildlife smuggling operation along Alapa Creek, highlighting renewed efforts by authorities to crack down on the illegal trade in endangered species.
The interception took place during a routine but intelligence-driven patrol conducted by Customs marine officers assigned to monitor waterways known for smuggling activities. Alapa Creek, which connects several remote riverine communities, has long been identified by security agencies as a preferred route for traffickers seeking to evade conventional road checkpoints and border posts.
According to information made available by Customs officials, the officers became suspicious after observing unusual movement by a small wooden boat navigating the creek at an odd hour. Acting swiftly, the patrol team approached the vessel for inspection. Upon sighting the officers, the individuals onboard reportedly panicked, abandoned the boat, and fled into the surrounding mangrove forest, taking advantage of the dense vegetation to escape.
A search of the abandoned boat led to the discovery of four live pangolins concealed inside sacks and crude wooden enclosures. Although the animals were found alive, officials noted that they appeared weak and visibly distressed, likely due to prolonged confinement, dehydration, and lack of proper ventilation. The conditions in which the pangolins were transported raised serious concerns about animal welfare and the brutal methods commonly used by wildlife traffickers.
Customs officers immediately secured the animals and evacuated them from the scene to prevent further harm. The pangolins were later handed over to relevant wildlife and environmental protection authorities for urgent medical assessment, care, and rehabilitation. Veterinary experts are expected to examine the animals to determine their health status and assess whether they can eventually be reintroduced into their natural habitat under controlled conditions.
Pangolins are classified as critically endangered and are widely regarded as the most trafficked mammals in the world. They are hunted and smuggled primarily for their scales, which are illegally traded in international markets, as well as for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some regions. Despite international bans, demand continues to fuel large-scale trafficking networks across Africa and Asia.
Nigeria has repeatedly been identified by international conservation bodies as a major transit hub in the global pangolin trafficking chain. Smugglers often exploit the country’s extensive coastline, porous borders, and complex network of inland waterways to move endangered species and wildlife products to international destinations. Creeks such as Alapa provide discreet access points that allow traffickers to operate with reduced risk of detection.
The Nigerian Customs Service stated that the successful interception reflects its commitment to enforcing national and international laws aimed at protecting endangered wildlife. Officials emphasized that Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly prohibits the commercial trade of pangolins and other protected species.
Customs authorities further warned that wildlife trafficking is a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law. Individuals involved in such activities risk arrest, prosecution, heavy fines, and possible imprisonment. The Service stressed that smugglers should not assume that waterways and remote locations offer immunity from law enforcement, noting that surveillance and patrol operations are being expanded.
Environmental and conservation groups have welcomed the interception, describing it as a positive step in the fight against wildlife crime. Conservationists noted that every rescued pangolin represents a chance to slow the rapid decline of the species, which continues to face extinction due to human activities. They also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, environmental authorities, and local communities.
Experts have consistently emphasized the role of public awareness in combating wildlife trafficking. Many communities located along creeks and coastal areas are often unknowingly used by traffickers. By encouraging residents to report suspicious movements and activities, authorities believe that intelligence gathering can be significantly improved.
The Nigerian Customs Service has assured the public that patrols along Alapa Creek and other identified smuggling routes will be intensified. Officials stated that the Service remains determined to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks, protect Nigeria’s biodiversity, and uphold the country’s international obligations on environmental conservation.
The interception of the four live pangolins serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by wildlife trafficking and the importance of sustained enforcement efforts to safeguard endangered species for future generations.
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