In a major breakthrough in combating wildlife trafficking, the Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 2,179 kilograms of pangolin scales in a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).
The operation, which took place on December 5, 2024, resulted in the arrest of one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State.
The suspect was allegedly involved in the trafficking of the pangolin scales.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Saidu Nuruddeen, the seizure was made possible through the support of FOU Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).
Nuruddeen stated that the achievement was a testament to the command’s commitment to fighting all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime, and protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.
Nuruddeen explained that this is the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS and WJC in 2024.
“Since the partnership began, 21,582 kilograms of pangolin scales have been seized in Nigeria by the NCS as a result of the NCS and WJC partnership.”
The public relations officer noted that 54% of this amount, or 11,673.2 kilograms, had been seized in 2024 alone, with 4,473.2 kilograms seized by the NCS Kano/Jigawa command.
“The perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly, and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network.”
The CAC commended the bravery and professionalism of the team of officers deployed and the expertise of WJC.
The CAC also appreciated the support of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team.
