The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has intercepted 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms with an estimated street value of N126.3 million.
The operation, carried out by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A in Lagos, also led to the arrest of four suspected members of an illegal wildlife trafficking network and the seizure of a vehicle allegedly used for transporting the contraband.
According to Customs authorities, the successful operation was the result of coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and extensive investigations into an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The seizure took place at approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State, while additional suspects linked to the network were apprehended simultaneously in Lagos. The confiscated elephant tusks have an estimated black-market value of N126.3 million in Asian markets, where illegal ivory products continue to attract high demand.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A described the operation as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and transnational environmental crimes. He noted that officers from the Customs Special Intervention Squad and the Customs Intelligence Unit worked closely with NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission to dismantle the trafficking network.
Authorities confirmed that all recovered wildlife specimens and the four male suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution in line with Nigerian and international laws.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing wildlife protection regulations and international agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory. Officials also referenced Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which prohibits illegal trade in endangered species.
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Customs further urged Nigerians to report suspicious wildlife trafficking activities, stressing that stronger collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and the public is essential to protecting biodiversity and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit hub for illegal wildlife trade.
