Customs and NESREA Seize N126.3m Elephant Tusks

The Nigeria Customs Service, through its Federal Operations Unit Zone in Ikeja, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission, intercepted 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms. The street value of the seized tusks is estimated at N126.3 million.

The operation took place over the weekend in the Ofada Mow area of Ogun State. Chief Superintendent Hussaini Abdullahi announced the seizure and the arrest of four male suspects connected to the incident.

The interception was made possible through coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance, targeting organized wildlife trafficking syndicates operating within and beyond Nigeria's borders. Gambo Aliyu, a representative of the Customs Area Control, emphasized the commitment to enforcing national and international wildlife protection laws, highlighting Nigeria's obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Aliyu urged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking.