Busting the Pangolin Scale Smuggling Ring in Nigeria
On August 8th, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with the support of the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), successfully carried out two major operations against wildlife trafficking. These operations resulted in the seizure of over 9.4 tons of pangolin scales and the arrest of four suspects. This is considered a significant achievement and the largest in Nigeria’s history in efforts to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks.
Specifically, acting on intelligence provided by the WJC, NCS officers raided a warehouse in Ogun State (western Nigeria). There, they discovered 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects believed to be the caretakers of the warehouse. This is the largest seizure globally since January 2020 and the third largest in Nigeria’s history.
In another operation in Kaduna State (northern Nigeria), NCS raided another warehouse, also guided by WJC intelligence, leading to the seizure of 2.294 tons of pangolin scales. Two suspects, alleged to be the owner and supplier of the stockpile, were arrested.
The combined value of the goods seized in these two operations is estimated to be $175,000 at the wholesale trade level in Nigeria and over $1.7 million at the Asian end of the supply chain.
Pangolin scales were confiscated at warehouses. (Photo: Wildlife Justice Commission)
Olivia Swaak – Goldman, Executive Director of the Commission, emphasized that the WJC commends the NCS for its timely action in preventing a large amount of pangolin scales from being illegally exported. This not only inflicts significant financial losses on criminal groups but also disrupts the wildlife trafficking network in Nigeria. This success highlights the importance of intelligence sharing and international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime.
Since the beginning of the partnership between NCS and WJC in July 2021, the collaboration has yielded significant results in the fight against wildlife trafficking. Specifically, 34 suspects have been arrested, 19.4 tons of pangolin scales and over one ton of ivory have been seized. Notably, 12 convictions have been secured, including that of a high-ranking Vietnamese wildlife trafficker and his associates.
The seizures in Ogun and Kaduna not only reflect the scale of the illegal pangolin trade but also highlight the significant threat to pangolin species. Pangolins are highly valued for their unique scales, particularly in traditional medicine in China and Vietnam.
Currently, all eight pangolin species are protected under international law, with three species listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Overexploitation for the illegal trade poses the greatest threat to the survival of these species.
Information source: environewsnigeria.com
