By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected high-level Chinese wildlife trafficker in Lagos, following an operation based on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC). The arrest, made on 19 February 2025, is a significant disruption to wildlife trafficking networks between Nigeria and Asia.
The arrest follows the August 2024 raid on a warehouse in Ogun, Nigeria, which led to the seizure of 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales—the largest WJC-supported seizure to date. NCS officers initially seized 31 bags of pangolin scales on 8 August, with a follow-up search on 10 August uncovering an additional 148 bags. Intelligence identified the suspected trafficker as a high-level Chinese wildlife trader, leading to the arrest six months later.
Since July 2021, WJC has worked closely with NCS, providing intelligence analysis, investigative support, and evidence assistance. This partnership has led to 17 joint operations, 37 arrests, the seizure of 21.5 tonnes of pangolin scales, over one tonne of ivory, and 12 convictions, including a Vietnamese kingpin and key facilitators of Lagos-based crime networks.
“This arrest sets a gold standard in targeting the highest levels of the illegal wildlife trade. NCS’s swift action highlights the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts to disrupt trafficking at the top tier of criminal networks,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of WJC.
The 7.2-tonne pangolin scale seizure is valued at over USD 1.4 million in Asia and represents a significant financial blow to trafficking networks. The arrest is expected to disrupt criminal syndicates operating in Nigeria and supplying the illegal wildlife trade.