Suspected wildlife trafficker arrested after five years of hiding
Nigerian Authorities Arrest Suspected Wildlife Trafficker
Lagos, Nigeria — Nigerian law enforcement agencies have apprehended Shamsideen Abubakar, a fugitive accused of playing a significant role in an international wildlife trafficking network. Abubakar had been on the run since 2021.
His arrest resulted from a coordinated effort involving the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC). Authorities characterize Abubakar as a central figure in a transnational syndicate responsible for the illegal trade of endangered wildlife products.
The Federal High Court had previously declared Abubakar wanted following a major enforcement operation in Lagos in 2021, which disrupted part of the trafficking network. During that operation, two of his associates were detained, and law enforcement seized 1,009.50 kilograms of pangolin scales, one of the largest such interceptions in Nigeria’s history.
Officials stated that Abubakar’s recent arrest was the result of extensive intelligence gathering and collaborative investigations among the involved agencies.
NESREA Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, emphasized the government’s commitment to dismantling wildlife trafficking networks and ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences. He also noted that this arrest serves as a warning to potential offenders that Nigeria will not tolerate environmental crimes.
Barikor encouraged the public to assist in these enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious activities, stating that the nationwide crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking will persist.
