CUSTOMS ARREST 4 SUSPECTED ‘WILDLIFE TRAFFICKERS’, RECOVER 22 ELEPHANT TUSKS IN LAGOS, OGUN
Read Time:1 Minute, 48 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested four suspected wildlife traffickers in Lagos and Ogun States.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) said the suspects were arrested on June 13 during coordinated operations by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The commission said 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg were also recovered during the operation.
According to WJC, the arrests followed months of intelligence developed by the commission and investigations into a wildlife trafficking ring linked to the illegal ivory trade.
The organisation said the operation targeted a senior figure in the ivory trafficking network who had been identified as a key supplier and associate of suspects arrested in previous investigations.
It added that the suspect’s extensive connections and access to large quantities of ivory could make the arrest a significant blow to the trafficking network.
Olivia Swaak-Goldman, executive director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, commended the NCS and NESREA for their efforts in tackling organised wildlife crime.
“Over the past five years, sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated law enforcement action have transformed the wildlife trafficking landscape in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“Traffickers who once operated with relative impunity are now facing a very different reality. Many have been arrested, forced to relocate, or significantly altered their operating methods in response to enforcement pressure.
“This operation demonstrates the power of strong partnerships, intelligence-led enforcement, and the commitment of the Nigerian authorities to tackling organised wildlife crime.”
She added that sustained enforcement efforts have made it increasingly difficult for trafficking networks to operate and profit from the illegal wildlife trade.
Swaak-Goldman also said traffickers are now more reluctant to stockpile large quantities of wildlife products and increasingly move smaller consignments to avoid detection.
According to her, the operation was the 21st successful investigation conducted with the NCS since 2021 and the second with NESREA since 2025.
She added that the partnerships have led to the arrest of 48 suspected wildlife traffickers, the seizure of 1,196kg of ivory and 25,545kg of pangolin scales, as well as 16 convictions.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0