The Nigerian Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted 420 kilogrammes of pangolin scales in a major anti-wildlife trafficking operation in a suburb of Kano State, North-West Nigeria.
Addressing journalists in Kano, the Customs Area Controller, Abubakar Dalhatu, said the seizure was made on Wednesday, July 2025, following a collaborative effort of the Nigerian Customs’ personnel and other relevant agencies.
According to Dalhatu, the operation targeted illegal international wildlife trade and aimed to protect Nigeria’s endangered species and natural heritage.
“This interception represents a significant blow to the criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking.
It also sends a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the exploitation of its natural resources,” he said, emphasising the Service’s commitment to enforcing Section 55 of the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023, which mandates the protection of the environment and wildlife.
Dalhatu reiterated the Command’s resolve to intensify surveillance and adopt advanced technologies to curb wildlife crimes.
“It is our shared duty to protect these endangered species for the benefit of generations to come,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership and also commended international partners, including the Regional Liaison Office and Focus Conservation for their support in the operation.