By AL-Kadriyar Abdullahi
Four suspects have been arrested following a joint operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) targeting wildlife crime in Lagos and Ogun states.
The suspects were apprehended on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after days of intelligence gathering and surveillance carried out by a tactical team operating in Ofada, Mowe, and Lagos.
During the operation, authorities intercepted 22 elephant tusks weighing a total of 130.84 kilograms and seized a vehicle allegedly linked to the illegal trade.
The arrests were made in accordance with the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations, 2024. The regulations prohibit the poaching, trading, possession, or display of wildlife and plant species listed under Appendices I, II, and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife trafficking.
“This is further proof of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes,” Barikor said. “Nigeria will not be used as a hub for wildlife trafficking. NESREA and our partners remain resolute in combating these illegal activities.”
Elephants are classified under CITES Appendix I and are protected under Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act. The illegal trade in elephant tusks is a direct violation of the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations, 2024.
Barikor commended the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their collaboration and support during the operation.
He added that investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
“Further investigations are ongoing as we work to dismantle the syndicate. All those connected with this crime will be made to face the law,” he said.
