Fugitive Wildlife Trafficker Arrested After Five Years on the Run

By: Michael Mike

A suspected wildlife trafficker, Shamsideen Abubakar, who had been on the run for five years, has been apprehended in a joint enforcement operation involving the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).

Abubakar, who was previously declared wanted by the Federal High Court in Lagos, is believed to be a key figure in an international wildlife trafficking network. He had evaded arrest since September 2021, following a major crackdown that led to the arrest of his associates, Sunday Ebenyi and Salif Sandwidi.

That earlier operation, carried out by the WJC and NCS, resulted in the seizure of over 1,000 kilogrammes of pangolin scales in the Ikeja area of Lagos—one of the largest such seizures in the country, underscoring the scale of illegal wildlife trade operations linked to Nigeria.

Authorities say Abubakar’s eventual arrest highlights the persistence of Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their international partners in tracking down suspects involved in environmental crimes. It also reflects a sustained, intelligence-driven approach to dismantling trafficking networks operating across borders.

Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating wildlife crime in the country. He stated that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for traffickers, emphasizing that offenders would be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Barikor attributed the success of the operation to strong inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement efforts. He also called on members of the public to support authorities by reporting suspicious activities, warning that the era of impunity for wildlife crimes is over.

The arrest is seen as a significant blow to already weakened trafficking networks and sends a strong message that arrest warrants will continue to be enforced, regardless of how long suspects remain at large.

Nigeria has in recent years intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking, a crime that threatens biodiversity, undermines conservation efforts, and violates both national and international regulations. Authorities say the latest development reinforces the country’s zero-tolerance stance and its commitment to protecting endangered species.

Fugitive Wildlife Trafficker Arrested After Five Years on the Run

Troops Raid Hideout, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Commander and Four Others in Ebonyi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside four other suspects during a targeted raid in Ebonyi state.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted at about 1:42 a.m. on April 21 by troops of Sector 2 under Operation UDO KA, following credible intelligence on the location of the suspect.

The sources said the raid targeted the hideout of a wanted suspect identified as Mr. Chinedu Igautu, also known by the alias “Calamity,” who is believed to be a commander within the IPOB/ESN structure operating in Delta State.

Further intelligence reportedly linked the suspect to an attack on police personnel at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State in February 2026.

According to the sources, troops stormed the hideout located in Nwofe community, Ebonyi Local Government Area, where the suspect and four others were apprehended without resistance.

Items recovered during the operation include five mobile phones and a motorcycle key.

Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody for further interrogation and investigation.

They added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and separatist-linked networks operating within the South-East and adjoining states.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at ensuring peace, security, and stability in all affected areas.

Troops Raid Hideout, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Commander and Four Others in Ebonyi

Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cultists in Imo

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected cultists following a distress call from a community vigilante group in Imo State.

Security sources Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on April 20 by troops of 24 Support Engineer Regiment deployed at a location in Onicha.

The sources said the troops responded to reports from members of the Onichibueze community vigilante, who raised alarm over suspected cultists allegedly harassing residents of the area.

“On receipt of the distress call, the troops swiftly mobilised to the community and apprehended three suspected cultists,” a source said.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police in Isu for further investigation and necessary action.

Military authorities commended the vigilance of community members and reiterated the importance of timely information sharing with security agencies.

They assured residents of continued collaboration with other security agencies to maintain peace and security across the state.

Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cultists in Imo