By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Special Wildlife Office and the Customs Police Unit, in an intelligence-led, joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission, have arrested 3 suspects for facilitating the illegal export of Wildlife to Asia.
The 3 illegal Wildlife Traders were arrested during the sale of 5 pieces of Elephant Tusk on the 25th of January 2024, the 4th and 6th of February 2024.
The items weighing 25.35kg are worth about 16,000 USD in the Country of destination, which is equivalent to N23,520,000.00.
According to Assistant Comptroller Abimbola Isafiade, Officer in charge of the Nigeria Customs Services’ Special Wildlife Office, “trafficking of Wildlife is a criminal offence punishable under law, and so Nigeria Customs Service will continue to support the global effort to fight Wildlife crime.”
“This act contravenes the Endangered Species Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service Act.” She emphasized.
AC Abimbola restated the Nigeria Customs Services’ commitment to leaving no stone unturned to end Illegal wildlife trade.
She assured that the Service is determined to dismantle the Wildlife criminal networks operating within the country.