Three individuals have been arrested in Abuja for allegedly engaging in the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife species in a coordinated operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service.
The suspects—Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban—were apprehended in separate locations across the Federal Capital Territory for unlawful possession and sale of exotic birds and wild animals, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
In a statement released by NESREA, Usman and Abdullahi were caught with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, both of which are protected species. Jagaban, on the other hand, was found hawking three dead antelopes.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. He warned that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with existing legal frameworks.
“Every living organism contributes to the balance of our biodiversity,” Barikor said.
“It is, therefore imperative to protect endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is committed to.”
