NESREA destroys 700 sacks of donkey parts handed over by Customs

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has destroyed 700 sacks of donkey parts handed over to it by the Nigerian Customs Service in Kaduna in compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Assistant Director (Press),Nwamaka Ejiofor.

The destruction of the donkey bones and skins took place on the 3rd, 4th, and 6th of October, 2025, in Kaduna. Two facilities were utilized for the incineration of the bones, while the skins were buried in a designated area. The exercise was conducted in the presence of regulatory officers and in accordance with environmental standards.

The success of this exercise was made possible through the collaboration of the NESREA and the NCS, ensuring that the destruction was carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, marking a notable achievement in the efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.

The destruction was carried out under strict safety protocols to prevent any potential environmental or health risks. Personal protective equipment was worn by personnel involved in the exercise, and measures were taken to minimize the risk of exposure to any potential biohazards.
Recall that in July, NESREA incinerated over one hundred bags of donkey genitals handed over by the Nigerian Customs Service in Abuja
Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor lamented the declining donkey population in Nigeria, warning they are gradually going extinct.
He reiterated the firm stance of the Nigerian Government against illegal exploitation of donkeys.

Prof. Barikor pointed out that though donkeys are considered domestic animals, their demand by illegal traffickers for medicinal purposes and aphrodisiac led to an executive order by the Federal Government to curtail its commercialization.
He added that the destruction of the donkey parts by NESREA and NCS was intended to discourage illicit trade in donkey and expressed appreciation to the NCS for the strong support for the war against illegal trade in endangered species.