THREE ARRESTED OVER ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE IN FCT
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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
She stated that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.
“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement read in part.
“The trio is to remain in custody while investigation continues.”
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remained a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be in prosecuted accordingly.
Barikor emphasised on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.
See the full statement below:
Press Release
Three in Custody for Illegal Trade in Endangered Wildlife
A joint operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service on Tuesday led to the arrest of three persons, Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi and Saidu Jagaban for trafficking in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
Whilst Usman and Abdullahi were found in possession of 15 Senegalese Parrots and 1 African Grey Parrot, Saidu Jagaban was arrested for hawking 3 dead antelopes. The trio are to remain in custody while investigation continues.
The Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor reminded Nigerians that trafficking in endangered species remains a crime under Nigerian law, warning that perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly.
He stressed that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability, hence the need to protect those classified as endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to which Nigeria is a party.
Nwamaka Ejiofor
Assistant Director (Press)
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