The Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Wildlife Justice Commission, has intercepted 22 elephant tusks valued at approximately N126.3 million and arrested four suspects linked to an alleged wildlife trafficking network.
The seizure was carried out during coordinated operations conducted in parts of Ogun and Lagos states over the weekend.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the recovered tusks weighed a total of 130.84 kilograms.
Abdullahi said the operation was the result of extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigations targeting a suspected organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and outside Nigeria.
“The agencies recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife crime with the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms, the arrest of four male suspects, and the recovery of a vehicle used in the operation,” he stated.
He explained that the tusks were recovered during simultaneous operations carried out in Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State, and several locations in Lagos State.
“The seized elephant tusks have an estimated black-market value of N126.3 million in Asian markets,” Abdullahi added.
The Customs spokesperson disclosed that both the suspects and the recovered items remain in custody pending further investigations and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the seizure as evidence of the agency’s determination to enforce both national and international laws protecting endangered wildlife species.
“This interception demonstrates our commitment to implementing the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Aliyu said.
He noted that Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibits the illegal trade in endangered species and stressed that the operation highlights ongoing efforts to curb wildlife trafficking and preserve biodiversity.
Aliyu commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their support, noting that the successful operation was made possible through effective inter-agency collaboration.
“We appreciate the support of our partners and encourage them to sustain these efforts in order to prevent criminal networks from using Nigeria as a transit route for illegal wildlife trade,” he said.
The controller also called on members of the public to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and individuals involved in wildlife trafficking.
“We urge citizens to provide useful information on wildlife trafficking syndicates. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to take decisive action against anyone found violating the law,” Aliyu added.
