Customs, Sister Agencies Strike Major Blow Against Wildlife Traffickers

…Impounds Elephant Tusks Worth Over ₦126m

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a landmark victory in the fight against wildlife crime, intercepting a massive haul of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, alongside the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of a vehicle.

The operation, according to a statement by the Unit Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, was carried out on June 13, 2026, at Ofada, Mowe in Ogun and Lagos State simultaneously, Abdullahi  explained that the operation which was the result of coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance, was executed in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).

The Unit estimate the black-market value of the tusks at ₦126,390,440, underscoring the scale of the illicit trade. The suspects and confiscated specimens are currently in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu described the seizure as a demonstration of the Service’s commitment to enforcing both national and international wildlife protection laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

He emphasized that Section 55 (1) para 1 (i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 explicitly prohibits the illegal trade in endangered species. Aliyu praised the synergy with NESREA and WJC, noting that without their support, the breakthrough would not have been possible. He urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum and called on the public to report suspicious shipments or activities linked to wildlife trafficking.

“This seizure underscores our resolve to stop illegal wildlife trade and protect biodiversity,” Aliyu stated, reaffirming that Customs will not hesitate to take enforcement action against violators.