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FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks
FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has unveiled the sculpture of an elephant crafted from pulverised Wildlife stockpile, signalling a climax of the disposal of about six tons of confiscated wildlife stockpiles by the National Environmental Standards And Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
NESREA is the agency designated by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to enforce international law on the endangered species.
The Sculpture, a first of its kind in Nigeria, represents the country’s zero-tolerance stance against wildlife trafficking and its dedication to protecting listed endangered species of Wild fauna and flora.
The event on Wednesday marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, which has been a major threat to the country’s biodiversity and global conservation efforts.
Concerted efforts by NESREA and sister agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service led to the arrest of several suspects between 2011 and 2023. 185 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3991 kilogrammes, 11 bags of crocodiles and other listed reptiles, leopard skins and feathers weighing 102 kilogrammes and 2500 kilogrammes of ivory were recovered from these suspects and kept in the custody of NESREA.
In October 2023, the seized pangolin scales and other animal skins were incinerated by NESREA and this was followed by the crushing of the confiscated ivory in January 2024. Both exercise were carried out with the support of Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) of United Kingdom and the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
Unveiling the statue crafted from the residue of pulverized confiscated stockpiles, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, officially christened it the ‘Giwa Statue of Renewed Hope’. He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to eradicate wildlife trafficking in Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to support the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking by providing intelligence, discouraging animal poaching and refusing to use products that are not ethically sourced, stressing that “we need wildlife for our survival, well being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, maintains the food chain and they keep us connected to nature”.
Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said, “This Elephant sculpture symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to zero tolerance to Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) at all levels, and a proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism.”
NESREA, is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with the mandate to enforce all environmental laws, policies, guidelines, standards and regulations as well as to enforce compliance with the provisions of multilateral environmental Agreements, Protocols, Conventions and Treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
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Air Strikes Eliminate ISWAP Shura Council Members, Foreign fighter wounded in Major Blow to Insurgent Leadership
Air Strikes Eliminate ISWAP Shura Council Members, Foreign fighter wounded in Major Blow to Insurgent Leadership
By Zagazola Makama
Recent air strikes by security forces in Borno State have eliminated key members of an insurgent Shura council, in what sources describe as a significant blow to the group’s leadership structure.
Security sources said the strikes, carried out about three to four days ago at a location west of Dogon Chukun, targeted a of senior insurgent figures.
The sources disclosed that three Shura council members were among those neutralised, alongside two senior field commanders known as “Munzirs” and several fighters believed to be serving as bodyguards.
According to the sources, the operation has disrupted the command hierarchy of the group, as the Shura council plays a central role in strategic decision-making and operational coordination.
According to the sources, another top figure identified as Yaa Bashir, also a senior member of the Shura council, sustained a serious thigh fracture in the strikes.
They further revealed that a foreign fighter identified as Abu Khalid, believed to be an Arab national, also suffered severe injuries during the same operation.
The sources added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identities of others affected while assessment of the full impact of the strikes continues.
They noted that the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade insurgent leadership and disrupt their operational capabilities in the North-East.
Air Strikes Eliminate ISWAP Shura Council Members, Foreign fighter wounded in Major Blow to Insurgent Leadership
Troops Investigate Indiscriminate Shooting Incident in Borno Community
By Zagazola Makama
An incident of indiscriminate shooting by members of a hybrid security force has left one personnel and a civilian injured in Mandaragirau village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 12:20 p.m. on April 30 when members of the hybrid forces deployed under the 162 Amphibious Battalion allegedly discharged their weapons indiscriminately within the community.
The sources disclosed that the shooting resulted in injuries to one member of the hybrid force and a civilian who were both evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
According to the sources, the situation was promptly brought under control, while the erring personnel involved in the incident was arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
They added that preliminary inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure appropriate disciplinary action.
Security authorities assured residents of the area that measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence and maintain order within the community.
Troops Investigate Indiscriminate Shooting Incident in Borno Community
Troops Engage Terrorists, Encounter IEDs in Anambra Patrol Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Udo Ka have conducted a fighting patrol in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, encountering suspected terrorists and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the operation.
Security sources said the patrol was carried out at about 10:30 a.m. on May 1 from Forward Operating Base Lilu, involving troops alongside other sister security agencies and local security formations.
The sources disclosed that the patrol covered the Eziorsu–Osunachu axis within Lilu community when troops came under fire from suspected terrorist elements.
According to the sources, the troops also encountered multiple IEDs planted along the route but were able to contain the situation and continue the operation.
They added that two soldiers sustained minor injuries during the encounter and were immediately stabilised.
The sources further said the area has been secured, with clearance operations ongoing to neutralise threats and ensure safe passage within the general area.
Troops Engage Terrorists, Encounter IEDs in Anambra Patrol Operation
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