The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos on Monday said it had arrested four suspected wildlife traffickers and seized 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilogrammes in a coordinated operation across Ogun and Lagos states.
The operation, which was conducted in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), is being heralded as a major breakthrough in the war against illegal wildlife trafficking and the protection of endangered species.
Customs said the seizure was the result of extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance and investigations into an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The elephant tusks were intercepted at about 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, in the Mowe area of Ogun State, while other members of the syndicate were arrested simultaneously at different locations in Lagos State.
The Customs Service said the tusks have an estimated black market value of N126.39 million in Asia where illicit trade in ivory continues to be a lucrative criminal enterprise despite international restrictions.
However, the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizure was a clear indication of the agency’s willingness to enforce national and international laws against the illegal trade in endangered wildlife species.
Aliyu said Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that prohibits the unlawful trade in protected species. He also cited Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which outlaws the illegal trade in endangered wildlife.
This seizure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to combating wildlife crime and protecting biodiversity. “It also highlights the importance of cooperation between the relevant agencies and stakeholders in dismantling transnational criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking,” he said.
He commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for the support and sharing of intelligence, which he said was key to the success of the operation.
He cautioned that criminal elements exploiting Nigeria as a transit route for illegal wildlife products would continue to experience the full force of the law.
He also appealed to the public to support ongoing enforcement efforts by giving credible information on suspicious shipments and activities involving wildlife trafficking.
“We are appealing to citizens to report any persons involved in syndicates of wildlife trafficking. He added that the Nigeria Customs Service would not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against any individual or group found to be in violation of the law.
The elephant tusks and four suspects are currently in Customs custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
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