The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Lagos in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have intercepted 22 pieces of Elephant tusks valued at N26. 3million and arrested four suspects in the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.
The interception of the Elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg also led to the seizure of a vehicle used in the illicit trade, a statement issued by unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hussaini Abdullahi said.
According to Customs, the arrest was made possible through a coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigation into an organized wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and beyond the nation’s borders.
The suspects and the elephant tusks were arrested at about 1630hrs on 13th June 2026 during a simultaneous operation at Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State and other locations within Lagos.
The seized Elephant tusks in Asia, has black market value equivalent to N126. 3million, Customs said.
The Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu described the seizure as a clear demonstration of the unit’ commitment to enforcing national and international Wildlife protection laws as contained in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Section 55 (1) para 1 (i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibit the illegal trade in endangered species.
“This seizure underscores ongoing enforcement efforts to stop illegal wildlife trade and protect biodiversity, ” he said.
Comptroller Aliyu commended NESREA ,WJC and other relevant stakeholders for their support in effecting the seizure.
He urged them to sustain the tempo so as to nip the activities of criminal elements who exploit Nigeria as a transit route for their nefarious activities.
He also appealed to the public to assist the NCS by reporting suspicious shipments, activities, or anyone with information relating to wildlife trafficking, stating that Customs will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those found to be in violation of the law.
He said both the recovered elephant tusks and the suspects are in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
More to read
Customs, Police deepen collaboration on national security
CEVA Logistics, EFL Africa launch joint venture in Nigeria​
Easing port traffic congestion key to sustainable shipping operations – TTP