Pangolin scales with a Duty Paid Value of N432 million have been seized by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D, Bauchi.
The Zone’s spokesperson, Umar Abdullahi, revealed on Monday in, saying the Pangolin scales weighed about 216 kilogrammes, adding that the seized goods contravened section 63 of the Customs and Excise Management Act CAP 45 Laws of Nigeria.
Abdullahi said Customs operatives raided a makeshift shop at a motor park along Sangere-Yola axis in Adamawa State on May 11, and evacuated four sacks and one small sack of Pangolin scales.
The evacuated sacks of Pangolin scales weighed 216 Kgs with a duty Paid Value of N432,000,000, he said.
Abdullahi said the general public should know that illegal wildlife trade contravened the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna, especially items which pangolins fall under.
The spokesman said the seizure was achieved as a result of sharing of information, intelligence gathering and doggedness of the personnel in making the zone unbearable for smugglers.
He pleaded with well-meaning Nigerians to assist in providing genuine information that can aid in eradicating the menace of smuggling in the zone and the country at large.
“I want them to know that eradicating smuggling in this country will boost the economy, which in the long run will enable the Federal Government to provide social amenities for the citizenry,” he said.
They warned smugglers to leave their nefarious activities and get a better trade to earn a living.
