A joint intelligence-led operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission, (WJC,) has led to the arrest of four persons in connection with wildlife crime in Lagos and Ogun States.

The arrests were made during the operation recently, following several days of diligent surveillance by a tactical team comprising NESREA, Customs, and WJC in Ofada, Mowe, and Lagos, leading to the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg and the seizure of a vehicle.

Speaking on the arrest, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor described the operation as a major victory, saying “This is further proof of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes. We will not be used as a hub for wildlife trafficking, and our partners are resolute on this.”

”Elephants are listed under CITES Appendix I and protected under Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act and trafficking violates the provisions of the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestics and International Trade) Regulations 2024.”

Prof. Barikor however commended the Nigeria Customs Service and WJC for their support, adding,  “Investigations are still ongoing as we work to dismantle the syndicate. All those connected with this crime will be made to face the law.”