By Steven Blessing
A significant joint operation was conducted by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service in Abuja, resulting in the arrest of three individuals, Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban. They were apprehended for trafficking in endangered wildlife species, specifically exotic birds and wild animals.
According to NESREA, the suspects were found with prohibited species, including 15 Senegalese Parrots and 1 African Grey Parrot, as well as 3 dead antelopes. The agency emphasized that these actions are contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act and that perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly.
The Director-General of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity and the role that all living things play in ensuring sustainability. He reminded Nigerians that trafficking in endangered species is a crime under Nigerian law and that the agency is committed to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, to which Nigeria is a party.
The suspects are currently in custody, and further investigation is ongoing. This operation demonstrates the efforts of NESREA and the National Park Service to protect Nigeria’s wildlife and environment.
