Fugitive Wildlife Trafficker Arrested After 5-Year Manhunt, 1,000kg Pangolin Seizure

Shamsideen Abubakar, a suspected wildlife trafficker who had been on the run for five years, has been arrested in a joint enforcement operation by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission.

Abubakar, previously declared wanted by the Federal High Court in Lagos, is believed to be a key figure in an international wildlife trafficking network. He had evaded arrest since September 2021, when a major crackdown led to the arrest of his associates, Sunday Ebenyi and Salif Sandwidi.

1,000kg Pangolin Scales Seizure

That earlier operation resulted in the seizure of over 1,000 kilogrammes of pangolin scales in the Ikeja area of Lagos — one of the largest such seizures in the country. Pangolin scales are among the most trafficked wildlife products globally, with demand driven by traditional medicine markets in Asia.

NESREA Vows No Safe Haven

NESREA Director-General Prof. Innocent Barikor reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating wildlife crime, stating that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for traffickers. He attributed the success to strong inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing, and called on the public to report suspicious activities.

The arrest is seen as a significant blow to trafficking networks and sends a clear message that arrest warrants will continue to be enforced regardless of how long suspects remain at large.

Sources: Arise TV, Leadership, Authority