The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have joined forces in a renewed effort to tackle the illegal trade of endangered wildlife species in the country.
This strategic partnership follows a recent surge in wildlife smuggling, particularly involving elephant ivory, pangolin scales, and other protected species. The illicit trade has been linked to organized criminal networks that exploit Nigeria’s porous borders to export wildlife products to international markets.
At a press conference announcing the partnership, top officials from both agencies emphasized the need for stronger border surveillance, intelligence sharing, and prosecution of offenders. The EFCC noted that illegal wildlife trade is not just an environmental crime but also a financial crime, as proceeds are often used for money laundering and other illicit activities.
Environmental groups have welcomed the initiative, urging the government to implement stricter penalties for wildlife traffickers. Both Customs and the EFCC have assured Nigerians that the fight against wildlife trafficking will be intensified to protect the country’s biodiversity.