A Chinese national and a Nigerian accomplice are set to face trial in Lagos for the illegal possession of wildlife species. The duo was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service during a routine inspection at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Authorities discovered various protected wildlife items in their possession, including pangolin scales and elephant tusks, which are prohibited under Nigerian law and international conservation agreements.
The suspects have been charged with violating the Endangered Species Act and are scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Lagos. If convicted, they could face significant fines and imprisonment.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in combating wildlife trafficking. Conservationists have called for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and increased public awareness to preserve the country’s biodiversity.
#WildlifeTrafficking #NigeriaCustoms #LagosNews #Conservation #IllegalTrade #PangolinScales #ElephantTusks #EndangeredSpecies