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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) says pangolins handed over to the agency in Kano and Akwa Ibom states indicate growing public awareness and support for wildlife conservation in Nigeria.
Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, said this in a statement issued on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Abuja.
Ejiofor said a local hunter, Imo Etim, in Akwa Ibom discovered two pangolins caught in his traps meant for grass-cutters.
She said the hunter immediately notified Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji of the Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria (PCGN).
According to her, one of the pangolins later died, while the hunter handed over both animals to NESREA officials led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Mfon Nkanang.
She said the pangolins were subsequently transferred to the National Park Service.
Ejiofor also disclosed that officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service handed over two live pangolins and one dead pangolin to NESREA.
She said the animals were suspected to be part of an illegal wildlife trade.
According to her, NESREA officials led by an Assistant Director, Mr. Ismaila Anamoh, received the pangolins.
She said the animals were later taken to the Kano Zoological Garden office.
Ejiofor added that the pangolins were received by Hafsah Adam, a representative of the Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency (KAZOWMA).
Reacting to the incidents, NESREA Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, commended the actions of the Akwa Ibom hunter and the collaborative efforts of security agencies in Kano.
Barikor said the incidents reflected growing awareness about the protection of endangered wildlife species.
“In Akwa Ibom, when the hunter realised the animals were pangolins, he did not attempt to sell them.
“Instead, he contacted the appropriate authorities and handed them over. This is a major gain for conservation in Nigeria,” he said.
Barikor also attributed the success in Kano to strong inter-agency collaboration in tackling wildlife trafficking.
He warned that wildlife trafficking, whether conducted physically or through social media platforms, remained a criminal offence.
According to him, the crime is prohibited under the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental (Control of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2025.
Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species.
He urged members of the public to support conservation efforts by reporting wildlife crimes to the relevant authorities.
By Doris Esa
