Four suspected wildlife traffickers have been arrested following the seizure of 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilogrammes during a joint operation in Lagos and Ogun states.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) after days of surveillance in Ofada, Mowe and Lagos.
The operation also led to the confiscation of a vehicle allegedly used in the illegal trade.
Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, stressing that Nigeria would not be allowed to serve as a hub for the illicit trade.
He said the successful operation reflected the government’s commitment to tackling environmental crimes and protecting endangered species.
Barikor disclosed that investigations were ongoing to uncover other members of the trafficking network and ensure that all those involved face prosecution.
The NESREA boss revealed that Elephants are protected under Nigeria’s Endangered Species laws and international agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits commercial trade in the species and their parts.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their collaboration in the operation.
Details of the arrests were contained in a statement signed by NESREA’s Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor.
