In an efforts to crack down wildlife trafficking in the country, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated 9,493 kg of pangolin scales during raids conducted in Ogun and Kano states.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) B A Adeniyi
in a statement highlighted the agency’s recent enforcement successes in Nigeria.
He said this achievements was a major wildlife seizure made by vigilant NCS officers, acting on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) on August 8, 2024.
According to the Comptroller General, 7.2 tons of pangolin scales—packed and ready for export—were seized during the Ogun State operation and this is said to be the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.
He pointed out that intelligence from the WJC identified the owner of the illegal wildlife products as Zheng Chao Hong, also known as Zheng Gao Peng, a high-level Chinese wildlife trafficker.
Adeniyi revealed that Zheng was not present at the warehouse during the raid, but two of his employees were arrested on the spot, and he was declared wanted by the NCS.
The statement added that on February 19, 2025 a joint operation between NCS officers and the WJC team, the notorious Zheng was apprehended in Ikeja and currently being prosecuted
The CG noted that the arrest of Zheng has sent a strong message to the global community that Nigeria Customs Service is fully committed to proactive investigations, dismantling wildlife trafficking networks, including their financiers in the country.
