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Natural resources

Nigeria Customs Service Seizes 420kg of Smuggled Pangolin Scales

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command has made a significant seizure of pangolin scales worth millions of Naira, weighing 420kg, in a joint operation with the police and other units. The arrest was made on July 16, 2025, as part of efforts to combat illicit international trade in wildlife and associated crimes. The Comptroller, Abubakar Dalhatu, displayed the seized pangolin scales, highlighting the need for increased surveillance through technological means to protect wildlife species. The operation is a significant step in addressing the severe threats faced by Nigerian pangolins due to illegal trafficking, with the scales being highly sought after for traditional medicine and other uses in Asia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command has seized 420kg of pangolin scales worth millions of Naira, smuggled into Kano, as part of a joint operation.
  • The operation aimed to combat illicit international trade in wildlife and associated crimes, protecting valuable species, natural resources, and mitigating threats to biodiversity and national security.
  • The arrested pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails and hair, and are highly valued for traditional medicine and other uses.
  • Nigerian pangolins are facing severe threats from illegal trafficking, with their scales being hunted for their perceived medicinal value and other purposes.
  • The Comptroller, Abubakar Dalhatu, has commended the efforts of the officers involved and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale, for their role in the operation.
  • The NCS has reiterated its commitment to increased surveillance through technological means to combat wildlife crimes and protect wildlife species.

Statistics:

  • 420kg of pangolin scales seized by NCS Kano/Jigawa Command.
  • Smuggling of pangolin scales worth millions of Naira into Kano.
  • July 16, 2025: The date of the joint operation that led to the seizure of pangolin scales.

Sources:

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