OYO, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted six pangolins in Eruwa-Oni, Oyo State, rescuing four surviving animals after suspected wildlife traffickers abandoned them during an intelligence-led patrol.
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos, said the interception took place at about 3am on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after the handlers fled on sighting the patrol team. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, the six pangolins were recovered alive and transported to the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. However, two died on arrival, leaving four survivors.
The surviving animals and the carcasses of the two dead pangolins were subsequently handed over to relevant wildlife officials for documentation and further action. The handover was conducted by the unit’s Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Comptroller of Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Oladapo Afeni.
Oguntuase said the interception demonstrated the Service’s commitment to tackling the illegal capture, possession and trafficking of protected wildlife. The Customs unit urged members of the public to provide credible information to law enforcement agencies to help identify and apprehend people involved in wildlife trafficking.
It also pledged to strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies to combat smuggling and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity. The statement did not disclose the identities of the suspected handlers or whether any arrests had been made.
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