In a coordinated crackdown on wildlife trafficking, officials from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service have arrested three individuals in Abuja for the illegal trade of endangered species.
The suspects—Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban—were apprehended at separate locations across the city for the unlawful possession and sale of protected exotic birds and wild animals, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
According to authorities, Usman and Abdullahi were caught with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, both of which are protected species. Jagaban was found hawking three dead antelopes, also considered endangered under Nigerian law.
All three suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Reacting to the arrests, NESREA Director General Prof. Innocent Barikor reiterated the federal government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws. He warned that those involved in the illegal wildlife trade will face the full weight of the law.
“Trafficking in endangered species is a criminal offense in Nigeria,” Barikor said. “These animals are critical to maintaining biodiversity, and their protection is not just a national priority but an international obligation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
Barikor urged the public to support conservation efforts by reporting illegal wildlife activities and refraining from purchasing exotic animals, whether alive or as trophies.