Wildlife Justice Commission 66d ago

🚨 After five years on the run, a suspected wildlife trafficking kingpin has been arrested in Nigeria following a joint operation with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), and the Wildlife Justice Commission. Abubakar had been wanted by the Federal High Court in Lagos since 2021 for his alleged role in large-scale wildlife trafficking. His arrest marks a significant step forward in sustained efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks driving the illegal wildlife trade. “This arrest sends a clear message: there is no safe haven for wildlife traffickers,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission. “This outcome reflects sustained, intelligence-led enforcement and strong collaboration with our Nigerian partners. The suspect thought he could evade justice, but our investigators never stop working.” This case underscores the impact of long-term, strategic collaboration in disrupting high-level trafficking networks and reducing pressure on endangered species.