The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Lagos, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have disrupted the activities of wildlife traffickers, whereby they seized twenty two (22) elephant tusks weighing over 130 kilograms, destined for the illegal international market.
They also arrested the four suspected members of the international trafficking syndicate.
Authorities have disclosed that the coordinated enforcement action was carried out at approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State, while other suspects linked to the network were apprehended simultaneously at separate locations within Lagos.
According to Customs officials, the arrests followed months of intelligence-led investigations into an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating across Nigeria’s borders and allegedly connected to international buyers.
The operation was spearheaded by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ in conjunction with the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS A) of the Customs Intelligence Unit, with critical support from NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Investigators estimate that the seized ivory has a black-market value of approximately ₦126.39 million in Asian markets, where elephant tusks remain highly sought after despite international bans and conservation efforts.
Conservation experts have repeatedly warned that trafficking networks exploit weak border controls and international smuggling routes to move ivory and other wildlife products from Africa to overseas markets.
Speaking on the seizure, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing both national and international wildlife protection laws.
He noted that Nigeria remains a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits the illegal trade of protected wildlife species and their derivatives.
According to him, the operation also aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, particularly Section 55(1)(i), which criminalises the unlawful trade in endangered species.
“This seizure underscores our unwavering commitment to combating wildlife crime, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit route for traffickers dealing in endangered species,” he stated.
Comptroller Aliyu commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their invaluable support throughout the operation, describing the collaboration as a model for future enforcement actions.
He emphasized that combating wildlife trafficking requires a multi-agency approach involving intelligence sharing, coordinated investigations, and sustained partnerships among law enforcement agencies, environmental regulators, and international conservation organisations.
“The success of this operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration in tackling sophisticated criminal networks. We appreciate the support of our partners and urge them to sustain the momentum,” he said.
The Customs Controller also appealed to members of the public to play an active role in the fight against wildlife crime by reporting suspicious activities, unusual shipments, or information relating to wildlife trafficking syndicates.
He assured that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to pursue traffickers and prosecute anyone found violating wildlife protection laws.
Meanwhile, the recovered elephant tusks and the four suspects remain in Customs custody pending further investigations and prosecution.
The latest seizure sends a strong signal to criminal networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade that enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to disrupt their operations.
Beyond the monetary value of the confiscated ivory, conservationists say the operation represents a crucial step toward preserving endangered species and protecting Africa’s biodiversity for future generations.
As global pressure mounts to end wildlife trafficking, the collaborative effort by Customs, NESREA, and the Wildlife Justice Commission demonstrates Nigeria’s growing resolve to safeguard endangered wildlife and fulfill its international conservation obligations.
