The Nigeria Customs Service has dismantled a major wildlife trafficking syndicate after a joint intelligence-led operation with NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission led to the seizure of 22 elephant tusks worth N126.39 million on the black market.
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, intercepted the tusks weighing 130.84kg at about 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State.
Four suspects were arrested at different locations across Lagos State, and the vehicle used to transport the contraband was confiscated.
Customs said the breakthrough followed months of surveillance and investigation targeting an organized trafficking network operating within Nigeria and across international borders.
Officers from FOU Zone A and the SIS A Team of the Customs Intelligence Unit executed the operation with support from NESREA and WJC.
Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the seizure as a major win in the fight against illegal wildlife trade and proof of Customs’ commitment to environmental protection laws.
“This seizure underscores our unwavering commitment to combating illegal wildlife trafficking and safeguarding biodiversity,” Aliyu stated.
He noted the operation aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under CITES and Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which bans trade in endangered species.
Aliyu commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their collaboration, saying the success shows inter-agency cooperation works against transnational crimes.
He urged stakeholders to keep up the pressure on criminal networks using Nigeria as a transit route for illicit wildlife and other cross-border crimes.
The suspects and seized tusks remain in custody as investigations continue ahead of prosecution.
Customs also called on the public to provide credible information on suspicious shipments or activities linked to wildlife trafficking, assuring that enforcement measures will be strengthened to bring offenders to justice.
