By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its 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 seized 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms and arrested four suspected wildlife traffickers in a coordinated operation across Lagos and Ogun states.
The operation, which also led to the seizure of a vehicle allegedly used in transporting the contraband, followed extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigations into a wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within Nigeria and across international borders.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of FOU Zone A, Mr. Hussaini Abdullahi, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, the suspects were apprehended during simultaneous operations carried out on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State, and other locations in Lagos State.
The Customs spokesman disclosed that the seized elephant tusks are valued at N126.39 million on the illegal international wildlife market.
He added that both the recovered tusks and the suspects remain in Customs custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.
Speaking on the development, the Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the seizure as a significant milestone in the fight against wildlife crime and the protection of endangered species.
Aliyu said the operation demonstrates the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing national and international laws aimed at curbing the illegal trade in endangered wildlife species.
He noted that Nigeria remains bound by the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), while Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibits the unlawful trade in endangered species and their parts.
According to him, the seizure underscores ongoing efforts by the Service and its partners to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and safeguard biodiversity.
The Comptroller commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their support and collaboration, describing their contributions as instrumental to the success of the operation.
He urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum in tackling wildlife crime and preventing criminal syndicates from using Nigeria as a transit route for illegal wildlife products.
Aliyu also appealed to members of the public to support enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious shipments, activities, or individuals linked to wildlife trafficking.
He assured that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to take decisive action against anyone found violating wildlife protection laws.
