Nigerian Authorities Seize Over 2 Metric Tons of Pangolin Scales, Arrest One Suspect
On December 5, Nigerian authorities confiscated more than 2 metric tons of pangolin scales in a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking. The seizure took place in two warehouses in Mubi, Adamawa state, where the scales were stockpiled for export. The operation, which was based on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), also led to the arrest of one suspect, believed to be a broker involved in the illegal trade.
The seized scales, weighing approximately 2,179 kilograms, are estimated to have come from around 1,100 pangolins poached across Africa. Olivia Swaak-Goldman, executive director of the WJC, noted that the value of the seized scales could reach tens of thousands of dollars on the black market, particularly for traffickers targeting Asian markets. The shipment is believed to be linked to trafficking networks based in Lagos.
Since 2021, the WJC has partnered with the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) to combat wildlife trafficking, focusing on pangolin scales and ivory. Nigeria has become a key transit hub for pangolin trafficking, with efforts also expanding to address the trade in shark fins and other marine species. This December seizure marks the third operation in 2024 involving pangolin scales and the fourth this year overall.
The collaboration between the WJC and NCS has led to 16 operations, 35 arrests, 12 convictions, and the confiscation of approximately 21.5 metric tons of pangolin scales—more than half of which were seized in 2024—as well as 1.065 metric tons of ivory. The partnership is credited with securing nearly 95% of all pangolin scale seizures in Nigeria.
Mark Ofua, from the wildlife protection group WildAfrica, praised the ongoing efforts, stating that the latest success signifies a meaningful shift in the government’s approach to wildlife trafficking. Despite past concerns about ineffective law enforcement, Ofua highlighted recent convictions, such as the 2023 sentencing of three Vietnamese traffickers involved in ivory and pangolin scale trafficking.
With continued collaboration and strengthened enforcement, experts are hopeful that Nigeria can make further progress in curbing wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.
