Customs officers in Kano have intercepted live pangolins being smuggled along the Kano–Takai–Jigawa road. The arrest occurred on March 26, 2026, following another similar seizure on March 12, according to Usman Muhammed, Acting Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone "B." The operation was based on credible intelligence during a routine patrol, leading to the discovery of the endangered animals hidden in a vehicle. The NCS confirmed the pangolins were recovered in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Both batches of rescued animals were transferred to the FOU Zone "B" Headquarters in Kaduna for processing before being handed over to wildlife conservation authorities. Customs Comptroller Aminu Sule described the two seizures within two weeks as evidence of increased operational vigilance. He stated, "This seizure sends a clear message that Zone 'B' will not serve as a transit point or haven for wildlife traffickers." Sule noted that pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally due to demand for their meat and scales.