NESREA, Customs arrest four, seize 130kg elephant tusks in wildlife trafficking bust

Four persons are now in custody after 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, intercepted 130.84kg of elephant tusks and dismantled part of a wildlife trafficking syndicate in Lagos and Ogun States.

The arrests were made on Saturday, June 13, 2026, following several days of surveillance by a tactical team of NESREA, Customs, and WJC operatives in Ofada, Mowe, and Lagos. The operation also led to the seizure of 22 pieces of elephant tusks and a vehicle suspected to have been used for trafficking.

NESREA Director General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the operation as a “major victory” in Nigeria’s fight against wildlife crime.

“This is further proof of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes,” Prof. Barikor said. “Nigeria will not be used as a hub for wildlife trafficking. NESREA and our partners are resolute on this.”

*Legal Framework*  

Elephants are listed under CITES Appendix I, the highest level of protection for endangered species. Trafficking in elephant parts is prohibited under Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act and violates the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2024.

Prof. Barikor commended the Nigeria Customs Service and WJC for their support and intelligence sharing. He said further investigations are ongoing to trace other members of the syndicate.

“All those connected with this crime will be made to face the law,” he warned.

Wildlife trafficking has been flagged by security agencies as a transnational crime linked to financing of armed groups. Nigeria has intensified inter-agency collaboration in recent years to crack down on illegal trade in ivory, pangolin scales, and other protected species.

The suspects remain in custody while investigations continue to identify the source, destination, and full network behind the shipment.