Four Arrested in Major Elephant Tusks Seizure in Nigeria

On June 13, 2026, a joint operation led by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), resulted in the arrest of four suspects involved in wildlife trafficking. The operation, which took place in Lagos and Ogun State, seized 130.84 kilograms of elephant tusks, comprising 22 pieces.

NESREA's Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, disclosed that the operation followed intelligence-led surveillance of suspected members of a wildlife trafficking network. Prof.

Innoc Barikor, the Director General of NESREA, described the arrests and seizures as a major breakthrough in Nigeria's efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species. He emphasized Nigeria's commitment to ensuring that criminal syndicates involved in illegal wildlife trade do not find refuge within its borders.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and uphold Nigeria's zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crime.