CUSTOMS, NESREA, WJC SEIZE ELEPHANT TUSKS WORTH N126.4 M, ARREST 4 IN LAGOS, OGUN
CUSTOMS, NESREA, WJC SEIZE ELEPHANT TUSKS WORTH ₦126.4M, ARREST 4 IN LAGOS, OGUN
By Babatunde Aremu
The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, and the Wildlife Justice Commission, WJC, has intercepted elephant tusks worth ₦126.4 million and arrested four suspects in Lagos and Ogun States.
The federal operations unit, zone A of the Nigeria customs service said the joint operation targeted wildlife trafficking networks operating across the South-West corridor. Officials said the seizure was made following intelligence sharing and coordinated surveillance between the agencies.
The confiscated ivory, classified as endangered wildlife contraband, was concealed and being moved illegally. Authorities described it as a major blow to traffickers exploiting Nigeria’s ports and borders.
The Nigeria customs reaffirmed the service commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and enforcing international conventions on wildlife trade. NESREA officials added that the suspects will be prosecuted according to environmental and Customs laws.
The Wildlife Justice Commission commended the inter-agency collaboration, noting that such joint efforts are critical to dismantling transnational wildlife crime syndicates.
The NCS reiterated its warning that anyone involved in illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products will face the full weight of the law.
