By Danjuma Amodu | March 17, 2026
The recent handovers of pangolins in Kano and Akwa Ibom States underscore growing public awareness and support for wildlife conservation in Nigeria, said Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
According to a statement by Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director (Press), a local hunter, Akwa Ibom State, Imo Etim, accidentally caught two pangolins in his traps meant for grass-cutters. He promptly notified Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji of the Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria (PCGN). Despite one pangolin’s death, Etim handed over both to NESREA officials led by State Coordinator Mfon Nkanang, who transferred them to the National Park Service.
Similarly, Nigerian Customs Service officers in Kano handed over one dead and two live pangolins, suspected to be part of an illegal wildlife trade, to NESREA officials led by Assistant Director Ismaila Thoulut Anamoh. The pangolins were received by Kano Zoological Garden officials.
Prof. Barikor commended the hunter’s actions and security agencies’ collaboration. “These are positive indicators of awareness on wildlife conservation. The hunter’s decision to approach authorities is a big win for conservation efforts,” he said.
He attributed the success to inter-agency collaboration, warning that wildlife trafficking, online or offline, is a criminal offence under the Endangered Species Act and relevant regulations. “We will take action against offenders,” he added.
Prof. Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species, urging public support in reporting wildlife crimes.
The pangolin, one of the most trafficked animals globally, is listed as endangered in Nigeria. The National Environmental (Control of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2025 prohibits hunting, capture, and trade, with stiff penalties for offenders.
NESREA remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity, working with agencies and the public to combat wildlife trafficking.
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