As global concerns over wildlife trafficking grow, Nigeria, once a major hub for illegal animal trade, is intensifying its crackdown on traffickers, particularly those dealing in endangered pangolins.
Driven by high demand in Asia, where native pangolin populations have plummeted, smugglers have increasingly turned to Africa. In response, Nigerian authorities have recently made notable arrests, including that of a Chinese national linked to a major trafficking network. A raid this month at a Lagos market resulted in five additional arrests and the seizure of over 8,000 pounds of pangolin scales — representing around 1,900 killed animals.
Michael Awe, head of Nigeria’s Customs Service in the region, said the action sends a “strong signal” that wildlife crime will not be tolerated. The operation was supported by intelligence from the Netherlands-based Wildlife Justice Commission, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
Experts say the focus on dismantling trafficking networks rather than targeting low-level poachers marks significant progress. Wildlife trafficking, valued at about $20 billion globally, often sees pangolin scales prized in traditional Chinese medicine, though exotic animals in general remain in high demand worldwide.
Authorities have also intercepted shipments of live African gray parrots and recovered large quantities of parrot, hornbill, eagle, and chimpanzee body parts from traffickers in recent weeks. Customs official Chukwudi Ogbonna emphasized the wider risks of the trade, warning that it not only threatens biodiversity but also fuels broader transnational crime.
Nigeria, a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species since 1974, had long struggled with enforcement. However, the establishment of a Special Wildlife Office in 2021 has transformed its response, leading to multiple successful operations and prosecutions. Since partnering with the Wildlife Justice Commission, Nigerian authorities have seized more than 55,000 pounds of pangolin scales and over 2,200 pounds of ivory.
Crawford Allan of the World Wildlife Fund praised Nigeria’s progress, noting similar improvements in countries like Vietnam, where wildlife enforcement has strengthened. Meanwhile, Hong Kong officials recently reported a significant drop in wildlife smuggling following stricter penalties introduced in 2021.
Despite regional successes, experts stress that the fight against wildlife trafficking must be global. The European Commission has identified Europe as a key player in the illicit trade, serving as a destination, transit point, and origin for many protected species.
Dr. Meganne Natali, a legal expert on wildlife crime, warned that organized crime groups increasingly see wildlife trafficking as profitable as the drug trade, with a kilogram of rhino horn fetching up to $75,000. Addressing the issue, she said, requires broader efforts to dismantle organized crime networks operating from South America to Southeast Asia.