By Efe Onodjae 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos, has announced the arrest of four suspected wildlife traffickers and the seizure of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms in a joint operation with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).

The Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed that the operation was carried out following intelligence-driven surveillance and investigations into a wildlife trafficking network operating within and outside Nigeria.

According to him, the coordinated operation led to the interception of the elephant tusks and the arrest of suspects at Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State and other locations in Lagos on June 13, 2026.

Aliyu stated that the seized tusks have an estimated black market value of N126.39 million in Asian markets, describing the interception as a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife crime and the protection of endangered species.

He noted that the operation was executed by officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A and the Service Intelligence Squad (SIS) A Team of the Customs Intelligence Unit, with support from NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission.

“The seizure is a clear demonstration of our commitment to enforcing both national and international wildlife protection laws,” he said.

The comptroller explained that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), remains committed to combating the illegal trade in endangered species. He added that Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, prohibits the unlawful trade in protected wildlife species.

Aliyu further revealed that the recovered tusks and the four suspects are currently in Customs custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.

He commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their collaboration, noting that the success of the operation underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational wildlife trafficking.

The Customs boss also called on members of the public to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious shipments and activities linked to wildlife trafficking networks.

He warned that the Service would continue to take decisive enforcement actions against individuals and groups involved in the illegal wildlife trade, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to exploit Nigeria as a transit route for trafficking endangered species.

According to him, the latest seizure highlights the sustained efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and its partners to curb illegal wildlife trade and safeguard biodiversity.