By Femi Anamelechi
Nigeria Customs Service Murtala Mohammed Area commando in an intelligence collaborative effort with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has made a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife and endangered species. Customs Area Comptroller M.T Awe disclosed this in a Press release signed the commands Public Relations officer, Customs Superintendents U.A Momodu on 2nd April 2025 at the office in Ikeja Lagos. According to the CAC, the joint team “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.” The comptroller stated that NCS has been continuing investigations into the organized 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” M.T Awe said 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. He pointed out that this major burst of the syndicates 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, reaffirmed the commitment of 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, 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”. He assured that “Investigations are on-going, and NCS does not rule out making further arrests”. He further expressed his appreciation for the partnership with Wildlife Justice Commission.
