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FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks

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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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NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

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NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalization of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.

A statement on Friday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.

He revealed that the operation was executed following a credible intelligence report that indicated unscrupulous elements were conniving with a terrorist group to vandalize a live telecommunications tower located at Savannah, in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

He noted that the SIS operatives swiftly responded, resulting in the arrest of the suspects at the scene. The arrested suspects, all from Yobe State, are Ibrahim Jibrin, 44, from Damaturu; Dahiru Ibrahim Isa, 38, from Babban Layi, Potiskum; and Usman Ali Isa, 27, from Dabar Mai Chafa, Potiskum.

He said ongoing investigation has revealed that Mr. Ibrahim Jibrin, who specializes in the act, was allegedly hired to decommission the mast for N800,000 and had received an initial payment of N200,000 from an accomplice identified as Alhaji Kabiru from Kano before his arrest. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include vandalized components of the tower and various tools used in the criminal operation.

Babawale said in line with the Corps’ renewed mandate to confront criminality, the SIS also made several other arrests across different locations. Acting on intelligence received on November 15, 2025, concerning criminal elements snatching motorbikes and phones in the Kuje and Tungan Maje axis, SIS operatives arrested two suspects, David Moses and Nuhu Inusa, in the Gui suburb of Abuja. Stolen phones were recovered, and the duo confessed to the crime, revealing their mode of operation and naming an accomplice who paid them with two Bajaj motorbikes (valued at N400,000 and N350,000 respectively) in exchange for stolen items.

He revealed that three additional suspects Akawe Uter, Sunny Obasi, and Ezugwu Godwin were apprehended in connection with an earlier arrest of one George Nyitamen. Their charges relate to unauthorized connection and distribution of power,tampering with electrical installations, and harassment of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) staff.

Babawale said following a distress call, Vincent Haliru Maigari, 27, was arrested for stealing plumbing materials from an apartment he was contracted to fix, which was intended to be converted into a hotel near Didi/Madiba Casa Estate. Maigari confessed to the theft, and some of his accomplices who fraudulently purchased the stolen items have also been arrested.

He noted that the Corps Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi has directed all specialized units to intensify efforts against critical infrastructure vandalism and various forms of economic sabotage.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the SIS, Commandant of Corps Samu Appollos Dandaura,l expressed strong optimism that with the sustained collaboration of the public, the Corps will discharge its mandate maximally, promising that all arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of diligent investigation.

NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

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Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba

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Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has continued his tour of southern Borno following recent attacks in parts of Gwoza and Askira-Uba Local Government Areas. The Governor spent the night in Uba and paid condolence visits to affected communities in Warebe and Uba.

During the visit, Zulum acknowledged and commended the efforts of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters for their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities despite ongoing security challenges.

The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the Uba General Hospital and the Emir’s Palace, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and encouraged the contractor to maintain the standard. He further directed the Ministry of Health to conclude arrangements for deploying doctors and nurses ahead of the hospital’s completion.

Similarly, Zulum visited Lassa General Hospital, several schools, and Uvu community area in Askira-Uba, where he assessed ongoing projects and assured residents of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, and community security.

Additionally, the Governor approved the rehabilitation of Central Secondary School, Uba, as part of efforts to strengthen education infrastructure in the region.

Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba

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Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

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Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum has said that he has spent about N100b cumulatively in 2025 to improve security in the state.

He made the revelation recently when
visited the Emir of Uba Ali Ibn Mamza at his Palace.

The Governor noted that the visit aims at assessing the current security situation in Askira/Uba council area of the state and its environs and preparing to step up where there are obvious challenges in the security architecture.

The Governor however acknowledged that he is aware that the lingering insecurity situation actually scares road contractors who have been hired to construct road networks in and around the communities.

He nonetheless assured the Monarch and residents of more road constructions in the near future with a proposal for the establishment of a tertiary institution a computer training institution and more.

” I am on a tour most especially to asses the security situation in this area of the state. I will meet with the security agents to make sure we have greater input in the security in Askira/Uba.

” Security is important without it, peace cannot be guaranteed. I have plans to construct roads but the problem is no contractor will want to come down here and work.

“That’s why I will be establishing a quarry in Gworza which will be backed by the purchase of 100 trucks so that our road maintenance agency can construct roads easily.

“On higher institution I assure you, i will build a higher institution before I leave office. I will also build a Computer Institute, Jamb training center and a tertiary institution in Uba. We have a lot of plans for education, health and more. We spent a lot to make we put structures on ground”.

Responding the Emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Samaila (ii) said “You’ve done a lot for us with many projects. If not for you we will be suffering.

“If the Constitution was amenable we would want you to continue with the good works. May God bless you”.

Tragedy struck the council area recently when about 13 female farmers were abducted in Askira Uba. While residents lamented their plight, one escaped back home leaving 12 others in the Sambisa who were later rescued by hunters.

Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

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