A joint operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service on Tuesday resulted in the arrest of three individuals in Abuja for trafficking endangered wildlife species.
The suspects — Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban — were apprehended in separate locations across the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
According to a statement by NESREA spokesperson Nwamaka Ejiofor, Usman and Abdullahi were found in possession of 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was caught hawking three dead antelopes. The three are currently in custody pending further investigation.
NESREA Director General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and warned that offenders will face prosecution. He emphasized the importance of protecting endangered species, noting their critical role in maintaining biodiversity, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
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