Three Arrested in Abuja for Illegal Trade in Endangered Wildlife Species
Joint Operation by NESREA and National Park Service Leads to Arrests
Abuja, Nigeria – A joint enforcement team from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service has arrested three individuals for trafficking endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
Details of the Arrest
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were apprehended in different parts of the city for illegally selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals. This activity violates Nigeria’s Endangered Species Act.
According to NESREA’s official statement:
- Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese Parrots and 1 African Grey Parrot.
- Jagaban was arrested for hawking 3 dead antelopes.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Warning from NESREA Director General
Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director General of NESREA, emphasized that trafficking endangered species is a serious crime under Nigerian law. He warned that offenders would face prosecution.
Barikor highlighted the importance of biodiversity conservation, stating that all living organisms contribute to ecological balance. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which mandates protection for threatened wildlife.
Source: The Sun Nigeria