4 arrested as Customs intercepts 22 elephant tusks in Ogun

From Eugene Agha Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos, has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking with the arrest of four suspected traffickers and the seizure of 22 elephant tusks valued at over N126 million.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).

The 22 elephant tusks weighed a total of 130.84 kilograms and were intercepted alongside a vehicle during a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

The seizure was made at about 4.30pm on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State, while other suspects linked to the trafficking network were arrested simultaneously at different locations in Lagos.

Customs authorities disclosed that the elephant tusks have an estimated black-market value of N126,390,440 in Asian markets, where illegal wildlife products continue to attract high demand.

Speaking on the development, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of the FOU Zone A described the seizure as a significant achievement in ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime and enforce laws protecting endangered species.

He said the success of the operation was made possible through extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance and investigation conducted by officers of the Federal Operations Unit and the Customs Intelligence Unit’s SIS A Team, with support from NESREA and WJC.

Aliyu noted that the operation demonstrates the agency’s commitment to enforcing both national and international wildlife protection regulations, including the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

He also cited Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which prohibits the illegal trade in endangered species.

“The seizure underscores our determination to stop illegal wildlife trafficking and protect biodiversity. Nigeria will not serve as a transit route for criminal syndicates involved in the illicit trade of endangered species,” he said.

The comptroller commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their support, describing their contributions as instrumental to the success of the operation.

The seized tusks and the four suspects are currently in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

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