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,) at the weekend led to the arrest of four persons in connection with wildlife crime in Lagos and Ogun States. The arrests were made on Saturday, 13th June 2026, following several days of diligent surveillance by a tactical team comprising NESREA, Customs, and WJC in Ofada, Mowe, and Lagos. The operation also led to the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg and the seizure of a vehicle. Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor described the operation as a major victory. “This is further proof of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes,” he said. “Nigeria will not be used as a hub for wildlife trafficking. NESREA 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 Internatiknal Trade) Regulations 2024. Prof. Barikor commended the Nigeria Customs Service and WJC for their support, noting, “further Investigations are ongoing as we work to dismantle the syndicate. All those connected with this crime will be made to face the law.”
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