In early December, a major anti-trafficking operation resulted in the arrest of a suspected pangolin scale broker and the seizure of over 2 metric tons of pangolin scales.
Representing approximately 1,100 pangolins, the seizure is a significant blow to transnational wildlife trafficking networks operating in Nigeria, where the bust was carried out.
Acting on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) arrested the suspect, believed to be part of a network involved in the supply of vast quantities of pangolin scales to trafficking networks based in Lagos, on December 5th.
The seizure marks the third NCS-WJC pangolin scale operation in 2024 and the fourth in Nigeria this year.
The NCS-WJC partnership has profoundly disrupted wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, demonstrable by the absence of any reported significant seizures of pangolin scales at any seaport globally for over two years.
Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked animal. These relatives of the anteater can climb trees and dig burrows with their claws. They are cloaked in hard scales from head to toe to tail, and as a defense strategy will curl up in a ball which can deter even large predators.
Their scales are bought by traditional pharmacists, who wrongly believe they have various medicinal properties in much the same way as rhino horn which is coveted for the same reason. Both the scales and the horn are made of keratin, the same protein found in bird feathers, scales on various reptiles, and in our nails and hair.
The NCS-WJC collaboration, now concluding its third year, has resulted in 16 operations, 35 arrests, 12 convictions, and the seizure of 21,582 metric tons of pangolin scales and 1.065 tons of elephant ivory since July 2021.
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The seizure and arrest of the suspected broker of the stockpile are anticipated to deliver immediate, multi-level disruption to trafficking networks within Nigeria.
“This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of Nigerian authorities to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the NCS for their exemplary efforts and dedication,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the WJC.
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“The scale of this seizure and the arrest of a key broker send a powerful message that Nigeria is resolute in its fight against wildlife trafficking.”
The NCS-WJC partnership has focused on strengthening law enforcement efforts, increasing risks for traffickers, and crippling Lagos-based criminal networks involved in ivory and pangolin scale trafficking.
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