Illegal wildlife hunting: Nigerian Customs intercepts N3.9bn worth of pangolin scales in Kebbi

The Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone “B” has intercepted pangolin scales valued at N3.9 billion in Kebbi State, the Punch newspaper has reported.

According to Comptroller Ahmadu Bello-Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone “B” of the Nigerian Customs in Kaduna, operatives intercepted pangolin scales with a Duty Paid Value of N3.9 billion.

The interception took place in Zuru Town, Kebbi State, following actionable intelligence.

The Customs FOU Zone B includes Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Bello-Shuaibu confirmed that one arrest was made in connection with the smuggled pangolin scales.

The operatives discovered and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales weighing 445.45kg on May 24. The value of the seizure at the international market was estimated at N3,955,596,000.

The Customs chief attributed the operation’s success to robust intelligence sharing between the Service and the Wildlife Office, as well as the determined efforts of operatives.

Bello-Shuaibu stated that those involved in the illegal trafficking of endangered species often use it to launder money for procuring drugs, arms, and other illicit merchandise.

He emphasized, “Our operatives have upped the ante in the combat against smuggling of protected species and successfully intercepted a consignment of Pangolin scale and its derivatives within the Kebbi State axis of the zone.

“Acting on actionable intelligence the operatives stormed a hideout known as (slaughterhouse) in the suburbs of Zuru Town in Kebbi State on Friday, May 24 2024 at about 1600hrs.

“The team discovered and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales which were transported to the HQ of FOU Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna. After careful examination and counting, the pangolin scales weighed 445.45kg.

“The value of this seizure at the International market is N3.95bn.

“Let me once again explain that the pangolin species is one of the endangered species that is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

“It is instructive that Nigeria is a signatory to the CITES Convention and all forms of trading in this species are clearly illegal.”

He added that the service is more determined than ever to partner with CITES to prevent the extinction of pangolins and other endangered species. Bello-Shuaibu also reiterated the Unit’s commitment to enforcing Federal Government policies in line with international best practices, calling on the public to cooperate with the NCS in its fight against smuggling.

“We must work together to salvage this country and to actualize the dream of our founding fathers,” he said.

Pangolin extinction poses a severe threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

As insectivores, pangolins play a crucial role in controlling ant and termite populations, which helps maintain soil quality and plant health.

Their extinction could lead to overpopulation of these insects, resulting in agricultural damage and increased pesticide use.

Moreover, the loss of pangolins would signify a failure in wildlife conservation efforts, highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and global cooperation to protect endangered species.

Pangolins are native to parts of Africa and Asia, with their population spread across these continents. However, precise population estimates for pangolins in the 1980s are not well-documented due to the lack of extensive studies and the secretive nature of these animals.

Today, pangolin populations are critically low, with all eight species of pangolins listed on the IUCN Red List. Four species are found in Africa: the black-bellied pangolin, white-bellied pangolin, giant ground pangolin, and Temminck’s ground pangolin. The other four species are found in Asia: the Indian pangolin, Philippine pangolin, Sunda pangolin, and Chinese pangolin.

The dramatic decline in pangolin populations is mainly due to illegal poaching and trafficking for their scales and meat, which are highly valued in traditional medicine and as luxury food items.

Conservation efforts are ongoing, but accurate current population numbers are challenging to determine due to the continued threat of illegal wildlife trade.