Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coordinated intelligence-led operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) has dismantled a major wildlife trafficking syndicate in Ogun and Lagos states, leading to the seizure of 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms and the arrest of four male suspects. The operation, which was carried out on June 13, 2026, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing national and international wildlife protection laws and disrupting transnational criminal networks exploiting the country as a transit route for illegal ivory trade. The seized tusks have an estimated black-market value of approximately N126.39 million in Asian markets, where ivory products remain highly sought after despite international bans and conservation efforts.
The enforcement action took place at about 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, located in the Mowe area of Ogun State, where the elephant tusks were intercepted. Simultaneously, other suspects linked to the syndicate were apprehended at separate locations within Lagos State. According to a statement issued by the Customs Zone A Command, the breakthrough followed months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigations into an organised wildlife trafficking network operating within Nigeria and across international borders. The operation was spearheaded by officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A and the SIS A Team of the Customs Intelligence Unit, with critical support from NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, described the seizure as a clear demonstration of the agency’s commitment to enforcing both national and international wildlife protection laws. He noted that Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits the illegal trade of protected wildlife species and their derivatives. He also referenced Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which criminalises the unlawful trade in endangered species. “This seizure underscores our unwavering commitment to combating illegal wildlife trafficking and safeguarding biodiversity,” Aliyu stated, commending the collaborative efforts of NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
The recovered elephant tusks, the vehicle used to transport the illegal wildlife products, and the four suspects are currently in Customs custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution. The illegal ivory trade continues to pose one of the greatest threats to elephant populations globally, fueling poaching and accelerating the decline of endangered wildlife species across Africa. Conservation experts have repeatedly warned that trafficking networks exploit weak border controls and international smuggling routes to move ivory and other wildlife products from Africa to overseas markets.
Comptroller Aliyu warned that criminal elements exploiting Nigeria as a transit route for illegal wildlife products will continue to face the full weight of the law and appealed to members of the public to support ongoing enforcement efforts by providing credible information on suspicious shipments, individuals, or activities linked to wildlife trafficking. “We urge citizens to report anyone involved in wildlife trafficking syndicates,” he said, emphasizing that the Nigeria Customs Service will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against violators. The seizure is one of the latest efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the illicit wildlife trade, a multi-billion-dollar global criminal enterprise that threatens endangered species and undermines biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.
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