A joint operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service (NPS) has led to the arrest of three persons, Musa Usman, Samaila Abdullahi and Saidu Jagaban, for alleged trafficking in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, NESREA said in a statement.
Whilst Usman and Abdullahi were found in possession of 15 Senegalese Parrots and 1 African Grey Parrot, Saidu Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes. The trio would remain in custody while investigation continues.
Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reminded Nigerians that trafficking in endangered species remains a crime under Nigerian law, warning that perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly.
He stressed that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability, hence the need to protect those classified as endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to which Nigeria is a party.