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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.
Ends
Female Family Member of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Surrenders in Bama
By: Zagazola Makama
A female family member linked to suspected ISWAP terrorists has surrendered to troops operating in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources disclosed that the woman surrendered at about 10:08 a.m. on May 19 to troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion operating within Sector 1 Area of Responsibility.
The female surrenderer reportedly came out from Gargash village in Bama LGA and voluntarily presented herself to the troops.
Military sources said she was subsequently profiled and documented in line with existing procedures for further necessary action.
The surrender is the latest in a series of defections involving insurgents and their family members in the North-East, following sustained military offensives and clearance operations targeting terrorist enclaves across the region.
Security sources said ongoing counterterrorism operations had continued to exert pressure on insurgent groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa forest areas, leading to increasing cases of surrender by fighters and their relatives.
The military has maintained that surrendered individuals are subjected to profiling, intelligence gathering and other procedures in accordance with extant operational guidelines.
Female Family Member of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Surrenders in Bama
Troops Arrest 10 Illegal Miners in Abuja Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 176 Guards Battalion have arrested 10 suspected illegal miners during a raid on an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 3:07 p.m. on May 20 as part of ongoing Operation MESA efforts aimed at curbing illegal mining and related criminal activities within the FCT and adjoining areas.
The troops reportedly stormed the illegal mining site following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected illegal miners operating in the area.
During the raid, the troops apprehended 10 suspects believed to be involved in illegal mining activities.
Items recovered from the site included one motorcycle, 15 mining mats, four head pans and several other mining implements used by the suspects.
The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and preliminary investigation for further necessary action.
Security sources said the operation formed part of intensified efforts by security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining activities, which authorities say contribute to environmental degradation, economic sabotage and insecurity in parts of the country.
The sources added that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across identified illegal mining locations within the FCT and neighbouring states.
Troops Arrest 10 Illegal Miners in Abuja Raid
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Recover Arms in Kwara Patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 22 Brigade have rescued two kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol operation targeting suspected terrorist camps in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 9:00 a.m. on May 19 by troops deployed at Oke-Ode and Oreke communities.
The troops reportedly carried out coordinated patrols to suspected terrorist hideouts located around Famonle and Oloponda villages.
During the operation, the troops successfully rescued two kidnapped victims who were found within the general area.
Items recovered from the suspected camps included three Dane guns, three camouflage face caps, and one leg chain.
Security sources said the victims were immediately debriefed and handed over to appropriate authorities for medical attention and further management.
The operation, according to the sources, forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt kidnapping networks operating within Kwara State.
Authorities added that patrols and clearance operations have been intensified across vulnerable communities in the state.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Recover Arms in Kwara Patrol
NDLEA Busts $360m Transborder Drug Network, Earns Tinubu’s Praise
Troops Foil Attempted Motorcycle Snatching by Plateau Militia in Mangu
Troops recover 39 cattle after the owner alleged to have been killed by rustlers in Mangu, Plateau
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