By Yakubu Salisu, Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano Jigawa Area Command has seized 2,179KG of Illegal endangered Pangolin scales.
The arrest, is yet another successful operations under the able leadership of the Controller in charge of the Command, Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana
The joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) aimed at combating wildlife trafficking led to the arrest of a suspect behind the heinous crime.
The Command supported by FOU Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) made a seizure of 2,179kg of pangolin scales, with the arrest of one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State marking the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS and WJC this year.
In his words ” this operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking”.
According to the Command’s Spokesperson, SC Saidu Nuruddeen, this achievement is a testament to the command’s commitment to fight all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.
He said, the success of the operation is attributed to the ongoing collaboration between the NCS and WJC which has been strong since 2021, and has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures In line with the statutory responsibilities of the Service under the astute leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale MFR.
“Since this partnership began, 21,582 kilograms of pangolin scales have been seized in Nigeria by Nigeria Customs Service as a result of the NCS and WJC partnership. 54% of this amount or 11,673.2 kilograms has been seized in 2024 alone, and 4,473.2kg of this is by the NCS Kano /Jigawa command”
“The WJC provided actionable intelligence, supported the investigation with their expertise and followed up with the NCS enforcement operation.
A trained Customs enforcement team, led by Kano/Jigawa Command successfully intercepted and effected the arrest and seizure from two warehouses in Mubi.
“The perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network”, he said.
The CAC, Dauda Chana commends the bravery and professionalism of the team of officers deployed, and expertise of WJC.
He, most importantly appreciates the support of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, while promising to continue to work tirelessly to prevent the trafficking of endangered species and all non-custom goods.
In his words ” this operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking”.