Cross River National Park has received and successfully reintroduced another batch of rescued pangolins into the wild, reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species in Nigeria.
According to the body, the latest rescue operation, carried out on May 6, 2026, involved two endangered white-bellied pangolins confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command, which were later released into the Erokut axis of the park.
The confiscation followed increased wildlife protection awareness promoted by the Nigeria Customs Special Wildlife Office with support from Focused Conservation.
During the exercise, the Conservator of Parks, CP Joseph Assam Ntui, introduced conservation partners from Focused Conservation and Green fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiatives to SIWES students attached to the park. The students were educated by Lindsay Maess on the dangers of illegal pangolin trafficking, noting that pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world due to demand for bush meat and scales used for traditional medicine.
Conservation experts explained the challenges of keeping pangolins alive in captivity because of their specialized diet of ants and termites, making quick rescue and release important for their survival. After confiscation, the rescued animals are hydrated, medically examined and prepared for reintroduction into the wild.
The pangolins were safely released into their natural habitat by CP Joseph A. Ntui in the presence of the representatives of Nigeria Customs – Special Wildlife Office, Focused Conservation, Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative and Wildlife Conservation Society , Nigeria. The successful release highlights the importance of networking and collaboration in the fight against Wildlife trafficking.
