Nigeria is considered a major transit hub for African pangolin scales. Other wildlife products are also traded to Asia via Nigeria. Scales are also in high demand in traditional Chinese medicine.
Combating illegal trade
“These seized items represent the past we leave behind, but their destruction symbolizes the future we are determined to build for our planet,” Environment Minister Iziaq Adekunle said before the scales were burned in the Nigerian capital Abuja.
He sees the destruction of the seized items as a “powerful statement” of their determination to save the environment and preserve wildlife. “And to combat the illegal trade that is bringing species to the brink of extinction.”
The nearly four tons of scales, along with seized leopard, python and crocodile skins, were destroyed.
Global gang
In August, the leaders of a global wildlife trafficking ring were convicted of smuggling pangolin scales. This happened after a four-year investigation. The arrested traders were responsible for half of the illegal trade in scales.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), pangolin seizures increased tenfold between 2014 and 2018.
2023-10-17 20:18:59
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