NIGERIA CUSTOMS RESCUES ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES IN ADAMAWA-TARABA AXIS
YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE March 4, 2026
The has reaffirmed its commitment to intercepting endangered species bound for international trade and prosecuting traffickers in accordance with existing laws that prescribe penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of 12 million naira for offenders.
The Comptroller of Customs in charge of Zone ‘D’ Command, , made this known while displaying prohibited items seized along the Adamawa–Taraba axis.
Speaking during the public presentation of the confiscated items, the Comptroller emphasized that the Service remains resolute in enforcing regulations aimed at curbing wildlife trafficking, smuggling, and other trans-border crimes that threaten national security and biodiversity.
Maryamu Bala reports that the volume of items intercepted was a result of proactive measures adopted by patrol teams of the Customs Service to strengthen surveillance and enforce laws prohibiting illegal hunting, trafficking, and trade in banned goods.
Among the intercepted wildlife were five live pangolins, a species fully protected under the Nigeria Customs Act (1985 as amended in 2016). Pangolins are highly sought after for their scales, which can cost over one million naira per scale on the black market, making them prime targets for traffickers.
In addition to the endangered animals, Customs operatives also seized 15,300 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), several cartons of prohibited foreign soaps, and a smuggled Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Comptroller Kaila disclosed that the rescued pangolins would be handed over to for proper care and rehabilitation. He further stressed that the Service would sustain its patrol operations across the Adamawa–Taraba corridor and other vulnerable routes to combat crimes that endanger biodiversity and tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its warning to smugglers and traffickers to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
