The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has arrested four suspects and seized 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilogrammes. The tusks, suspected to be destined for the Asian market, have an estimated black-market value of N126.4 million.
Operation Details
In a statement issued by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, the Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizure was made at about 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State, while other suspects were arrested simultaneously at different locations in Lagos. Aliyu described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking and the protection of endangered species.
Intelligence-Led Operation
He said the arrests followed coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigations into an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and outside Nigeria. According to him, the operation was carried out by officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A and the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) of the Customs Intelligence Unit, with support from NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Legal Framework
The comptroller noted that the seizure demonstrates Customs’ commitment to enforcing 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 added that Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibits the illegal trade in endangered species.
“This seizure underscores our determination to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and protect biodiversity,” Aliyu said. He disclosed that the suspects and recovered tusks remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
Collaboration and Public Appeal
Aliyu commended NESREA, the Wildlife Justice Commission, and other stakeholders for their support, noting that the success of the operation was made possible through effective collaboration. He urged relevant agencies to sustain efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks exploiting Nigeria as a transit route for wildlife trafficking.
The comptroller also appealed to members of the public to provide information on suspicious shipments, activities, or individuals linked to wildlife trafficking, assuring that Customs would take decisive action against offenders.
