By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has recorded a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.
The operation led to the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks, weighing 130.84kg, the arrest of four male suspects, and the seizure of a vehicle.
In a statement issued on 14 June 2026 by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the arrests were made possible through coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigation into an organised wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ and the SIS A team of the Customs Intelligence Unit, with support from partner agencies.
“The seizure was effected at about 1630hrs on 13 June 2026 at Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State, while other targets were simultaneously arrested within Lagos,” the statement said.
The seized elephant tusks are estimated to have a black market value of about One Hundred and Twenty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty Naira (₦126,391,440.00).
