Customs arrests 3 for Wildlife trafficking

Nigeria Customs Service has arrested three persons for Illegal wildlife trade.

The Customs Special Wildlife Office and the Customs Police Unit in an intelligence led, joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission on the 25th of January 2024, 4th and 6th of February 2024 arrested 3 Nigerians facilitating the illegal export of Wildlife to Asia during the sale of 5 pieces of Elephant Tusk.

The 3 illegal Wildlife Traders were arrested with 5 pieces of Elephant Tusks weighing 25.35kg said to worth about 16,000 USD (N23,520,000.00k) in the Country of destination.

The crime is a contravention of the Endangered Species act of the Federal republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

According to the officer in charge of Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office, Asst Comptroller ABIM, “Illegal Wildlife Trade or trafficking of Wildlife is a criminal offence punishable under law and so Nigeria Customs Service will continue to support global effort to fight Wildlife crime.

“These suspects will definitely be prosecuted in the court of law “