FG arrests four wildlife traffickers seizes 130kg of elephant tusks

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Four suspects are in custody after a joint intelligence-led operation by National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC),
foiled a wildlife trafficking ring in Lagos and Ogun States at the weekend.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The tactical team, made up of NESREA, Customs, and WJC operatives, carried out days of surveillance in Ofada, Mowe, and Lagos before moving in. The operation led to the arrest of four persons, interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, and seizure of a vehicle used in the trafficking.
NESREA Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the bust as a major victory in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife crime. “This is further proof of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes. Nigeria will not be used as a hub for wildlife trafficking. NESREA and our partners remain resolute,” he said.
Elephants are listed under CITES Appendix I and are protected by Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2024. Trafficking in elephant tusks violates these laws.
Prof. Barikor commended the Nigeria Customs Service and WJC for their collaboration and intelligence support. “Investigations are ongoing as we work to dismantle the syndicate. All those connected with this crime will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
The arrests mark another enforcement win for Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to global conservation efforts and efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade across West Africa.