Nigeria’s anti-wildlife crime agencies have arrested a long-wanted suspect, Shamsideen Abubakar, who had been on the run since 2021 over his alleged role in an international wildlife trafficking network.
He was captured during a joint operation carried out by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission. Authorities described him as a major player in a cross-border group involved in the illegal trade of endangered animal products.
Abubakar had earlier been declared wanted by the Federal High Court and managed to avoid arrest for nearly five years after a major crackdown in Lagos in 2021. That operation led to the arrest of two of his associates and the seizure of over 1,000 kilograms of pangolin scales—one of the largest wildlife trafficking seizures recorded in the country.
Officials said his recent arrest was made possible through careful intelligence gathering and close cooperation among security agencies.
The Director-General of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, said the operation shows Nigeria’s strong commitment to fighting wildlife crime and bringing those responsible to justice.
He added that the arrest sends a clear message that the country will not tolerate environmental crimes or allow traffickers to operate freely.
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Barikor also called on members of the public to support the fight against illegal wildlife trade by reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that enforcement efforts will continue across Nigeria.