A joint operation by the Nigeria Customs Service, NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission has resulted in the seizure of 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg and the arrest of four suspects in a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking in Lagos and Ogun states.
The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Lagos, working with intelligence from the Customs Intelligence Unit’s SIS ‘A’ team, launched the operation after tracking an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating across Nigeria’s borders. The raid took place at 4:30 pm on June 13, 2026, at Ofada, Mowe in Ogun State, with simultaneous arrests at additional locations in Lagos.
The intercepted elephant tusks, valued at N126,390,440 on the black market, were recovered along with a vehicle used to transport the illegal consignment. All four suspects and the specimen remain in custody as investigations continue toward prosecution.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ hailed the seizure as proof of the unit’s dedication to enforcing wildlife protection laws under both Nigerian legislation and international agreements. He cited Section 55(1) para 1(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which bans illegal trade in endangered species, and noted Nigeria’s commitment to the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species.
Aliyu thanked NESREA and WJC for their critical support, saying the partnership was essential to the operation’s success. He urged the agencies to maintain pressure on wildlife traffickers who use Nigeria as a transit route for their crimes.
The Comptroller also called on the public to report suspicious shipments, activities, or individuals linked to wildlife trafficking syndicates, warning that Customs will pursue enforcement action against anyone violating the law.