Nigeria Customs seizes 420kg of pangolin scales worth millions in Kano

In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command has seized a large consignment of pangolin scales smuggled into Kano city, with an estimated value running into millions of Naira.

The arrest and confiscation were announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, by the Command’s Comptroller, Abubakar Dalhatu, who showcased the 420 kilogrammes of pangolin scales at the command’s headquarters in Kano.

Dalhatu revealed that the operation was successfully executed on July 16 through a joint effort involving the Special Wildlife Office, the Intelligence Unit, and the Police Unit of the command. He credited the seizure to the combined expertise and vigilance of the team.

He said the operation was aimed at combatting illicit international trade in wildlife and associated crimes while protecting valuable species, protecting natural resources and mitigating threats to biodiversity, ecological balance and national security.

He warned that the command would not tolerate any threat to wildlife or wildlife-related crimes.

The comptroller commended the efforts of the officers involved in the operation, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale, and international partners for the feat achieved.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to increased surveillance through technological means to combat wildlife crimes to protect wildlife species.

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 armor for the animal.

It has been observed that Nigerian Pangolins are facing severe threats from illegal trafficking.

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