In early December, a serious anti-trafficking operation resulted within the arrest of a suspected pangolin scale dealer and the seizure of over 2 metric tons of pangolin scales.
Representing roughly 1,100 pangolins, the seizure is a big blow to transnational wildlife trafficking networks working in Nigeria, the place the bust was carried out.
Performing on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Fee (WJC), officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) arrested the suspect, believed to be a part of a community concerned within the provide of huge portions of pangolin scales to trafficking networks primarily based in Lagos, on December fifth.
The seizure marks the third NCS-WJC pangolin scale operation in 2024 and the fourth in Nigeria this 12 months.
The NCS-WJC partnership has profoundly disrupted wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, demonstrable by the absence of any reported vital seizures of pangolin scales at any seaport globally for over two years.
Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked animal. These kinfolk of the anteater can climb bushes and dig burrows with their claws. They’re cloaked in onerous scales from head to toe to tail, and as a protection technique will curl up in a ball which may deter even massive predators.
Their scales are purchased by conventional pharmacists, who wrongly consider they’ve varied medicinal properties in a lot the identical means as rhino horn which is coveted for a similar cause. Each the scales and the horn are made from keratin, the identical protein present in hen feathers, scales on varied reptiles, and in our nails and hair.
The NCS-WJC collaboration, now concluding its third 12 months, 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 dealer of the stockpile are anticipated to ship speedy, multi-level disruption to trafficking networks inside Nigeria.
“This operation underscores the unwavering dedication of Nigerian authorities to fight wildlife crime and defend endangered species. We lengthen our heartfelt congratulations to the NCS for his or her exemplary efforts and dedication,” stated Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Government Director of the WJC.
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“The size of this seizure and the arrest of a key dealer ship a strong message that Nigeria is resolute in its struggle in opposition to wildlife trafficking.”
The NCS-WJC partnership has targeted on strengthening legislation enforcement efforts, growing dangers for traffickers, and crippling Lagos-based legal networks concerned in ivory and pangolin scale trafficking.
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