Environment
THE National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have arrested four persons in connection with wildlife crime in Lagos and Ogun States.
The Assistant Director of Press at NESREA, Mrs Nwamaka Ejiofor, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
She said the arrest was carried out during a joint intelligence operation by the three agencies.
Ejiofor said the operation followed several days of surveillance by a tactical team in Ofada and Mowe in Ogun State, and parts of Lagos State.
According to her, the operation led to the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilogrammes, as well as the seizure of a vehicle.
The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the operation was a major breakthrough in efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in the country.
He said the arrest underscored Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on wildlife crimes.
“Nigeria will not be used as a hub for wildlife trafficking. NESREA and our partners are resolute on this,” he said.
Barikor commended the collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission, adding that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the syndicate behind the crime.
He said all those involved would be made to face the law.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that elephants are listed under CITES Appendix I and are protected under Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act.
Trafficking in elephant parts violates provisions of national environmental regulations on endangered species trade. (NAN)
Tags: Customs NESREA