LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has intercepted 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms and valued at approximately ₦126.3 million.
The seizure was announced by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service following a coordinated intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling an organized wildlife trafficking network operating within Nigeria.
According to Customs authorities, the operation was carried out on June 13 in Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal wildlife trade, while a vehicle allegedly used to transport the contraband was also confiscated.
Speaking on the development, the Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the interception as a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife crime and the illegal trade of endangered species.
He emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to enforcing both national and international regulations designed to protect endangered wildlife. Aliyu noted that the illegal trade in elephant tusks violates provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as well as international agreements under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The seized tusks and the suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Officials said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking syndicate.
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