Customs arrests smuggler, recovers pangolin scales

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected smuggler with a consignment of pangolin scales valued at N3,955,596,000.00 within the Kebbi State axis.

The Zone B Controller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, disclosed this while parading the suspect and the seized bags containing the pangolin scales to journalists.

He noted that the prime suspect was currently evading arrest.

Shuaibu explained that his operatives acted on actionable intelligence to raid a hideout known as “slaughterhouse” on the outskirts of Zuru town in Kebbi State on Friday, May 24, 2024, uncovered and confiscated the sacks of pangolin scales.

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“After meticulous examination and weighing, the pangolin scales amounted to 445.45kg. The estimated value of this seizure in the international market is N3,955,596,000.00,” he stated.

Explaining further, Shuaibu noted that the pangolin species was listed as one of the endangered species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

He said, “As a signatory to the CITES Convention, Nigeria prohibits all forms of trading in this species, and the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to collaborating with CITES to prevent the trafficking of endangered species and safeguard them from extinction.”