In a joint operation carried out by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the National Park Service, three individuals have been arrested in Abuja for their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of endangered wildlife.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were taken into custody at different locations within the Federal Capital Territory.
Authorities say they were found in possession of protected birds and animals, an act that contravenes the Endangered Species Act.
According to a statement from NESREA, Usman and Abdullahi were nabbed with 15 Senegalese parrots and an African grey parrot, both recognized as endangered species. Jagaban, meanwhile, was reportedly caught selling three dead antelopes in the open.
All three are currently being held while further investigations are underway.
Commenting on the arrests, NESREA’s Director-General, Professor Innocent Barikor, emphasized the gravity of crimes against wildlife, stressing that violators would be brought to justice under existing laws.
“Every living organism contributes to the balance of our biodiversity,” Barikor stated.
“It is, therefore imperative to protect endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is committed to.”
