Nigeria Cracks Down on Pangolin Trafficking

Dayo Thomas

Recent efforts by Nigeria’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B customs have led to the interception of live pangolins, highlighting the country’s ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking. In January 2026, FOU Zone A customs intercepted four live white-bellied pangolins along Ajilete Creeks in Ogun State, while five live pangolins were rescued in Taraba State, with three suspects arrested. These operations demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and collaborating with stakeholders to eradicate the illegal trade in endangered species

The Nigeria Customs Service is working closely with organizations like Focused Conservation and Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative to combat wildlife trafficking and provide care for rescued pangolins. These efforts are crucial, as pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammal in the world, driven by demand for their scales in traditional medicine markets. Since July 2021, the Nigeria Customs Service and its partners have conducted 16 operations, resulting in 35 arrests, 12 convictions, and the seizure of 21,582 tonnes of pangolin scales

The impact of wildlife trafficking on pangolin populations is severe, with estimates suggesting that between 800,000 to nearly a million pangolins were trafficked between 2010 and 2021. Nigeria is a key hub for pangolin trafficking, with 55% of global pangolin scale seizures linked to the country