Crime
Fugitive Wildlife Trafficker Arrested After Five Years on the Run
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 Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 16 Brigade Garrison operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have intercepted a vehicle conveying about 400 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Security sources said the interception occurred at about 3:10 p.m. on May 12, 2026, along the Oruma–Kolocreek road during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the area.
According to the sources, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops approaching the area.
The vehicle and the illegally refined petroleum products were subsequently handled in accordance with operational directives guiding Operation Delta Safe activities.
The military has sustained operations across the Niger Delta to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage threatening the nation’s oil infrastructure.
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
Troops Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two additional suspects in Damaturu, Yobe State, over alleged involvement in the supply of ammunition to terrorists operating in the North-East.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 12:05 p.m. on May 11, 2026, following intelligence obtained through communication intercepts linked to an earlier arrest of a repentant member of ISWAP.
The suspects were apprehended in Damaturu town, headquarters of Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that one of the suspects had been assigned to collect ammunition from the second suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
Military sources disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody while efforts are ongoing to track down the alleged terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
The development is part of ongoing counterterrorism and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting logistics and supply networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
Troops Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Yobe
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists’ Family Member in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State have intercepted a woman suspected to be linked to members of ISWAP during a foot patrol operation.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 10:25 a.m. on May 12, 2026, while troops were conducting routine patrol activities within the area.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspect included a detergent, a washing soap, a torchlight and five seasoning cubes.
During preliminary interrogation, the woman allegedly stated that she was travelling from Gezuwa to reunite with four of her children, who are suspected to be members of the terrorist groups.
The suspect is currently in military custody pending further investigation and necessary action by security authorities.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists’ Family Member in Borno
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Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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