NESREA arrests three in Abuja over ‘illegal wildlife trade’

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.

Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s assistant director of press, said in a statement that the suspects — identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi and Saidu Jagaban — were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.

Ejiofor said they were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

She noted that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and 1 African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.

“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement reads.

“Whilst Usman and Abdullahi were found in possession of 15 Senegalese Parrots and 1 African Grey Parrot, Saidu Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.

“The trio are to remain in custody while investigation continues.”

Innocent Barikor, NESREA director-general, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remains a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.

Barikor harped on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.