Samples of the seized pangolin scales.

Story by Dili Utomi.

It was a normal working morning at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, but the 2nd day of April, 2025 proved to be a bit more than that as the officers of the Command under the leadership of Comptroller Michael Toyin 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.

Comptroller Awe and his officers examine some of the seized pangolin scales.

The Nigeria Customs Service has been continuing investigations into the organised criminal networks trafficking in endangered wildlife and exporting wildlife products to Asia. 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.

Comptroller Awe has reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs BA Adeniyi and the management team as he continues to encourage and give maximum support in facilitating legitimate trade, whilst sending a strong signal 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. In his words, “Investigations are on-going, and NCS does not rule out making further arrests”. Additionally, the CAC expresses his appreciation for the partnership with Wildlife Justice Commission.

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