Nigerian Authorities Seize Pangolin Scales Destined for Export

ABUJA - Nigerian customs officials have announced the country's third largest bust of pangolin scales and the arrest of three foreign nationals.

Pandemic travel restrictions had slowed trafficking of the endangered anteater to Asia, where its scales are used in traditional medicine. But experts say a July raid at a Lagos warehouse shows that traffickers have been stockpiling wildlife parts pending the lifting of restrictions. This week, authorities displayed the confiscated items at a briefing in Lagos. They say 196 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 7.1 tons were seized in the raid, along with 840 kilograms of elephant ivory. Joseph Attah is the public relations officer with Nigeria’s Customs Service. At a briefing with reporters, he discussed the case and Nigeria’s efforts to curb the illegal trade.