Customs intercept trafficker with large quantity of Pangolin scales in Kano

The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, has apprehended some suspected smugglers in Kano/Jigsaw Command and confiscated 420kg of Pangolin scales smuggled into Kano, worth millions of naira.

The NCS Comptroller, Abubakar Dalhatu, disclosed thsi while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command.

He explained that pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails and hair, the scales which cover the pangolin’s body, are large, hardened, and overlapping, acting as a protective armour for the animal, saying that investigations revealed that Nigerian pangolins are facing severe threats from illegal trafficking.


While pangolins are hunted for their meat, Dalhatu stated that their scales are highly sought after for traditional medicine and other uses, especially in Asia.

He stated, “the arrest was made during a joint operation by the Command’s Special Wildlife Office, Intelligence Unit, and the Police Unit, through combined expertise and vigilance, on July 16, 2025.”

He explained that the operation led to the recovery of 420kg of pangolin scales, noting that combating illicit international trade in wildlife and associated crimes was uttermost in its agenda.

The operation, the Command Comptroller said is aimed at protecting valuable species, preserving natural resources, and mitigating threats to biodiversity, ecological balance, and national security.

He said the Command would not tolerate any threat to wildlife or wildlife-related crimes, assuring of the Command’s commitment to increased surveillance through technology.