Four arrested after seizure of N126m elephant tusks

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A in Ikeja, has seized 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms. The tusks have a street value of N126.3 million. This operation was done with help from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Wildlife Justice Commission.

Hussaini Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of FOU Zone A, made the announcement on Monday. He said four suspects were arrested in connection with this seizure. The tusks were taken over the weekend at Ofada, Mowe in Ogun State, and other areas within Lagos.

Abdullahi explained that the success of this operation came from good intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigation. This was done against an organized wildlife trafficking group that operates within and outside Nigeria. The FOU Zone A and the SIS A team from the Customs Intelligence Unit led this effort, with support from their partners.

"The agencies recorded a breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to fight wildlife crime and protect endangered species with the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, four male suspects, and a vehicle. The seized tusks have a black market value of about N126.3m in Asia," Abdullahi said.

He noted that both the seized tusks and the suspects are in custody for further investigation and legal action. Gambo Aliyu, the Customs Area Controller in charge of FOU Zone A, called the seizure a clear sign of the unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws. Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Aliyu said, "Section 55 (1) para 1 (i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibits the illegal trade in endangered species. This seizure shows our ongoing efforts to stop illegal wildlife trade and protect biodiversity."

He praised the contributions of various stakeholders, especially NESREA and WJC. Aliyu emphasized that without their support, this success would not have been possible. He urged everyone to maintain their efforts against criminals who use Nigeria as a route for illegal activities.

He called on the public to help the service by reporting any suspicious shipments or activities. Anyone with information on wildlife trafficking groups should come forward. Aliyu said, "The NCS will act against those found violating the law."