ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, MMAC, said it arrested five suspects in connection with the seizure of 3,765kg pangolin scales in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Customs Area Controller in charge of the Command, Comptroller MT AWE, disclosed this in a statement signed by Superintendent of Customs UA Momodu, Command Public Relation Officer on Friday, as part of the Command’s ongoing enforcement activities.
According to the statement, the pangolin scales, weighing 3,765 kg were intercepted and five suspects were arrested by Officers of the Command on Tuesday, 2 April 2025, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).
some of the pangolin scales seized
The statement reads, “On the 2nd of April, 2025 the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Mohammed Area Command under the leadership of Comptroller MT AWE, with the support of the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), conducted 2 major operations that resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales in the Lekki area of Lagos.
“This operation followed a recent bust of a major trafficking network in Nigeria that resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national Zheng Chao Hong, also known as Zheng Gao Peng, in February 2025 by the joint efforts of the Customs Police Unit and WJC.
“This seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales marks the first major global seizure of its kind in 2025, highlighting both the persistent threat to pangolin species and the heightened vigilance of the NCS in dismantling these criminal networks.
“Additionally, it raises the total amount of pangolin scales seized through the joint efforts of the NCS and WJC to over 25 tons since the start of the collaboration in 2021”.
The Area Controller further reaffirmed the commitment of the Service to fighting wildlife crimes, expressed his appreciation for the strategic partnership with Wildlife Justice Commission and also warned those who persist in the nefarious activities to desist.
Comptroller Awe, showcasing the pangolin scales at the Command.
His words, “We really appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs BA Adeniyi, MFR and the management team as he continues to encourage and give maximum support in facilitating legitimate trade. It is important to that the service will equally not relent in its efforts in fighting wildlife crime to a standstill. We won’t tolerate it anywhere, not through our Airports, Seaports, Land borders or even within the community. Investigations are on-going, and NCS does not rule out making further arrests.
“We also appreciate the partnership with Wildlife Justice Commission”.
