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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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Transborder criminal financier arrested, apprehended in Kano with ₦15.28 million recovered

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Transborder criminal financier arrested, apprehended in Kano with ₦15.28 million recovered

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Police Operatives of the Scorpion Squad have arrested a suspected transborder criminal financier, Alhaji Jazuli Adamu, 40, in Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, following actionable digital intelligence and confessions from previously arrested armed robbery suspects.

Zagazola Makama gathered that Jazuli Adamu was identified as the financial facilitator for Alhaji Abdulkarim Ibrahim (a.k.a. Gabeida) from Niger Republic, who allegedly armed criminal youths to carry out car-snatching operations targeting SUVs and Hilux vehicles across Nigeria.

It was gathered that funds from the robbery operations were reportedly transferred to Jazuli Adamu’s account for disbursement to the armed robbers, while the stolen vehicles were transported to Niger Republic.

Upon arrest, the police recovered ₦15,280,000 (fifteen million, two hundred and eighty thousand naira) from Jazuli Adamu, which was transferred to him by Alhaji Karim for distribution to the criminals.

Investigators noted that Jazuli operates a mini Bureau de Change (BDC) in Kano, and preliminary checks of his digital communications revealed transaction records and payment receipts amounting to billions of naira between him and Abdulkarim Ibrahim.

The sources said that suspects who had received payment for stolen vehicles via Jazuli are currently in custody undergoing interrogation, while investigations into the syndicate remain ongoing.

Transborder criminal financier arrested, apprehended in Kano with ₦15.28 million recovered

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Two injured after stray bullet from custom officer hits passengers in Oyo/Osun border

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Two injured after stray bullet from custom officer hits passengers in Oyo/Osun border

By: Zagazola Makama

Two passengers were injured on November 27 after being struck by a stray bullet fired by a custom officer while traveling along the Oyo/Osun border.

Eyewitnesses said Aderoju Jamiu and his brother, Amuda Kabir, were returning from Ago-Are Market in Okaka town in a Toyota pickup vehicle loaded with cattle when the custom officer on routine duty fired his AK-47 at the vehicle.

The bullet penetrated the windscreen and struck two Fulani passengers in the back of the vehicle, identified as Musa Sule and Idris Lawal.

The injured were rushed to the General Hospital in Okaka, where they are receiving treatment and responding to care.

The officer involved has been identified, disarmed, and taken into custody as investigations continue.

Two injured after stray bullet from custom officer hits passengers in Oyo/Osun border

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Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi

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Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and other auxiliaries have neutralised a suspected member of the notorious Lakurawa bandit faction during an engagement in Malam Yaro village, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:26 a.m. on Tuesday when armed bandits attempted a surprise incursion into the community.

The attackers were said to have advanced toward the village with the intent to intimidate residents and reassert their presence along the Kebbi border corridor.

The troops were immediately deployed to the area, where they established contact with the armed group.

“During the fierce exchange of fire, one of the bandits was neutralised while several others fled with gunshot wounds along the western axis,” the source said.

Zagazola learnt that two operational motorcycles belonging to the fleeing assailants were recovered at the scene.

Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi

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