Nigeria Customs Seizes 22 Elephant Tusks in Ogun State
Officers intercepted 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms valued at N126.39 million. Four suspects were arrested and a vehicle was seized during the June 13 operation.
koreaherald.comNigeria Customs Service officers seized 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms on June 13, 2026, in the Ofada area of Ogun State. The shipment was valued at N126.39 million on the international black market. The operation was conducted by the Federal Operations Unit Zone A in Lagos with support from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Four suspected members of a trafficking syndicate were arrested at separate locations in Lagos State, and one vehicle was also seized.
Customs authorities stated the tusks originated from endangered elephants and were intended for illegal markets. The seizure followed intelligence-driven surveillance and investigations by the Federal Operations Unit and the Customs Intelligence Unit.
The agency noted that Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibits trafficking of protected wildlife species.
The tusks, vehicle, and four suspects remain in Customs custody while investigations continue. Officials said the public is encouraged to report suspicious activities linked to wildlife trafficking.
