A joint operation carried out on Tuesday by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service led to the arrest of three individuals – Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi and Saidu Jagaban – for trafficking endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
According to a statement from NESREA’s assistant director of press, Amaka Nwamaka Ejiofor the suspects were apprehended in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of exotic birds and wild animals, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Usman and Abdullahi were found in possession of 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was caught hawking three dead antelopes. All three suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The director-general of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor reminded Nigerians that trafficking in endangered species is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and warned that offenders will face prosecution.
He emphasised that every living organism plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. He urged the public to protect endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
