In a significant move to combat wildlife trafficking, three men will be arraigned in court in Kano tomorrow for their alleged involvement in transporting a large consignment of 48 live endangered wild animals. The suspects were arrested last month and remanded in custody after being intercepted on the Kano-Daura Road. The seized animals include baby gorillas, chimpanzees, caracal wild cats, and albino alligators. This case highlights the growing concern over wildlife crime in Nigeria and its threat to the country's biodiversity and security.
Wildlife trafficking is a serious environmental and transnational crime challenge in Nigeria, posing a huge threat to the country's biodiversity and security. The unchecked trade in wildlife led to Nigeria's suspension from CITES in March 2008. In 2003, two female western lowland gorillas, aged nine, were intercepted in Kano while being illegally trafficked, labelling Nigeria a hub in the illicit trade in endangered wildlife. The gorillas were subsequently returned to their homeland in Cameroon. This incident brought shame to the country and highlighted the need for authorities to take decisive action against wildlife traffickers.
Despite efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, the crime persists, and those responsible are not always brought to justice. A notorious wildlife trafficker, Shamsideen Abubakar, was apprehended earlier this year in a joint operation by NESREA, Nigeria Customs Service, and Wildlife Justice Commission. Abubakar had been on the run since September 2021, following a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of his associates and the seizure of 1,009.50 kilograms of pangolin scales in Lagos. His arrest demonstrates the need for sustained efforts to combat wildlife crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as CITES. The treaty provides different levels of protection for a large list of plant and animal species, working to protect their numbers in the wild. By imposing a specialised permitting system on the transport and trade of specific listed species, CITES has created an environment that has had a significant impact on the rampant over-exploitation of the species it monitors. Nigeria has a number of animal and plant species that are listed by CITES, and the country must take its obligations seriously.
The impact of wildlife trafficking on Nigeria's biodiversity is significant. The country was once said to have the most diverse population of monkeys and apes in the world, but as its forests dwindled, many animals have been hunted to extinction. Nigeria's remaining gorillas are from a particularly endangered sub-species of the lowland gorilla: the Cross River gorilla that lives in the rugged mountainous jungle on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The loss of these species not only affects the ecosystem but also has long-term consequences for the country's natural heritage.
The arraignment of the three wildlife traffickers in Kano is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to combat wildlife crime in Nigeria. The authorities must ensure that those caught trafficking wildlife are brought to justice, and that the trade is disrupted. This requires sustained efforts from law enforcement agencies, as well as collaboration with international partners to address the transnational nature of the crime. By taking wildlife crime seriously, Nigeria can protect its biodiversity and security, and uphold its obligations under CITES.
The case also highlights the need for increased awareness and cooperation from law enforcement officers, who often underestimate the seriousness of wildlife crime. Several reports have linked wildlife trafficking to other serious crimes, including insurgency and banditry. By taking a holistic approach to addressing wildlife crime, Nigeria can address the root causes of the problem and prevent the trade from thriving. The authorities must work together to protect the country's natural heritage and ensure that those responsible for wildlife crime are held accountable.
Key points
- Wildlife trafficking poses a significant threat to Nigeria's biodiversity and security.
- Nigeria was suspended from CITES in 2008 due to the unchecked trade in wildlife.
- The authorities must ensure that those caught trafficking wildlife are brought to justice to combat the crime.
