The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has rescued five more live pangolins in Ogun State, intensifying its crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade and raising fresh concerns about the activities of endangered-species trafficking syndicates.

The latest interception, carried out at about 1:18 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State, followed intelligence reports on the suspected movement of endangered wildlife.

Acting on the intelligence, Customs officers intercepted the five pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed in a manner suspected to have been designed to evade detection.

The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the animals and fled upon sighting the patrol team.

The rescue marks another intervention by the Unit against wildlife trafficking within approximately seven days, prompting calls for an extensive investigation to identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind the illicit trade.

In line with its commitment to wildlife protection, FOU Zone ‘A’ formally handed over the rescued animals to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

The handover was conducted by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, on behalf of the Acting Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Oguntuase said the interception of multiple wildlife consignments within a short period underscored the need for sustained investigations and stronger enforcement measures against those involved in the illegal capture, transportation and trafficking of endangered species.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, protecting endangered animals and enforcing Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), alongside relevant national legislation.

“Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals. This seizure is another clear warning to those involved in the illegal wildlife trade that Nigeria’s borders and transport corridors remain under active surveillance,” Oguntuase said.

Pangolins are listed under Appendix I of CITES, which generally prohibits international commercial trade in wild-caught specimens and their derivatives, subject to the Convention’s applicable provisions.

Nigeria’s Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act also provides a legal framework for protecting endangered wildlife and regulating activities involving listed species.

Oguntuase said FOU Zone ‘A’ would sustain intelligence-led operations, deepen collaboration with conservation organisations and other relevant stakeholders, and ensure that rescued animals receive appropriate care.

He warned that individuals involved in wildlife trafficking would face the full weight of the law.

“Those who engage in wildlife trafficking will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he declared.

Receiving the rescued pangolins, Dr. Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and prompt intervention.

He assured the Service that the organisation would provide the animals with the necessary care and undertake efforts towards their rehabilitation and eventual release into a safe, protected environment.

The latest rescue underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and wildlife conservation organisations in confronting the illegal wildlife trade.

By; Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to suspend its ongoing training exercise for newly recruited officers pending an investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.

The directive follows reports that hundreds of candidates whose names appeared on the published final list and who had completed the required screening, documentation and medical examinations were not invited to participate in the training exercise.

Briefing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of the FCC Committee on Financial Services, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, said the commission was not invited to monitor the recruitment exercise.

“It is deeply troubling that the NCS conducted this exercise without the commission’s monitoring and oversight,” he said.

Bawa-Allah said the allegations of violations of federal character principles required a thorough investigation, noting that the affected candidates had made significant personal and financial sacrifices in anticipation of their employment.

“Some affected candidates resigned from their jobs, trained replacements, incurred substantial expenses and made important personal decisions.

“They did all these with the expectation that their published selection would lead to training and formal engagement.

” He stressed that the FCC was not an advisory body whose oversight federal establishments could recognise only when convenient.

“It is worthy to note that the FCC is not an advisory body that federal establishments may recognise only when convenient. It is a constitutional institution established to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with federal character principles in appointments and recruitment across ministries, departments and agencies,” he said.

Bawa-Allah directed the NCS to cooperate fully with the commission’s Committee on Financial Services and any investigation lawfully instituted by the commission.

He emphasised that the FCC would invoke its investigative, compliance and enforcement powers under the Constitution to ensure transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.

He added that the commission would take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with federal character principles.

“For clarity, the commission is not asking that unqualified candidates be recruited. The FCC does not replace merit.

“It requires suitably qualified candidates from all parts of Nigeria to receive equitable opportunities through transparent, verifiable and nationally inclusive procedures,” he said.

In a statement issued on October 19, the NCS acknowledged complaints from applicants who appeared on the recruitment shortlist but were subsequently disqualified from proceeding to the training college.

The Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had directed a case-by-case review of the complaints after meeting with some of the affected applicants.

It, however, clarified that appearing on the final shortlist did not automatically guarantee enlistment, noting that candidates were required to pass several stages of verification, including credential checks, physical fitness assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug screening.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has dissociated itself from a report published on Linda Ikeji’s Blog and other online platforms on October 23, 2026, titled “Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order.”

In a disclaimer signed by its National President, Batare Akpomejero and National Secretary, Richard Ntan, the Association categorically stated that the publication did not originate from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the Association.

DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.

The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ?500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.

Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.

On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.

Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.

The Association also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.

DAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos