At a press conference in Bauchi, Mr. Umar Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service, revealed that contraband Pangolin scales worth N432 million have been confiscated.

Abdullahi stated that the weight of the Pangolin scales was approximately 216 kilograms.

He further mentioned that the confiscated items violated section 63 of the Customs and Excise Management Act, which is part of the laws of Nigeria under CAP 45.

“The Comptroller, FOU Zone ‘D’ Bauchi, Mr. Joseph Adelaja, acting on credible intelligence, deployed operatives who raided a makeshift shop at a motor park along Sangere-Yola axis in Adamawa State on May 11, and evacuated four sacks and one small sack of Pangolin scales.

“The evacuated sacks of Pangolin scales were weighed to be a total of 216 kg with a total Duty Paid Value of N432,000,000.”

Abdullahi emphasized that it was crucial for the public to recognize that engaging in illegal wildlife trade goes against the regulations outlined in the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna, particularly pangolins.

The spokesperson highlighted that the remarkable seizure was accomplished through the collaboration of information sharing, intelligence gathering, and the relentless efforts of the personnel, making the zone an inhospitable environment for smugglers.

“Let me use this medium to plead with well-meaning Nigerians to assist in providing genuine information that can aid in eradicating the menace of smuggling in the zone and the country at large.

“I want them to know that eradicating smuggling in this country will boost the economy, which in the long run will enable the Federal Government to provide social amenities for the citizenry.”

He also issued a warning to smugglers, advising them to abandon their unlawful activities and pursue legitimate trades in order to sustain their livelihoods, adding that the officers “will not rest on their oars”.