The Hague, the Netherlands, 23 April 2026 – A suspected high-level wildlife trafficker, Shamsideen Abubakar, has been arrested in Nigeria following a joint operation involving the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Abubakar had been on the run for five years after being declared wanted by the Federal High Court in Lagos for his alleged role in large-scale wildlife trafficking. His arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational wildlife crime networks.
The suspect had evaded capture since September 2021, when a coordinated operation by NCS and Wildlife Justice led to the arrest of his associates and the seizure of over one tonne of pangolin scales – representing up to 5,451 pangolins – in Ikeja, Lagos.
“This arrest sends a clear message: there is no safe haven for wildlife traffickers. What we are seeing in Nigeria is the result of sustained, intelligence-led enforcement and strong institutional commitment”, said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission. “The suspect thought he could evade justice, but our investigators never give up. We commend the continued efforts of NESREA and the Nigeria Customs Service in combatting wildlife trafficking.”
Strong partnerships continue to drive impact
Wildlife Justice has worked in close partnership with Nigerian authorities since July 2021, providing intelligence analysis, investigative support, and evidentiary assistance to strengthen enforcement efforts against organised wildlife crime. By targeting high-level traffickers and kingpins and supporting authorities to build strong, actionable cases, these efforts are contributing to a broader shift in the enforcement landscape, one in which traffickers face increasing risk and diminishing opportunities to operate.
“This case shows how strategic collaboration between national agencies and international partners can deliver tangible, lasting impact in the fight against wildlife crime. By disrupting the criminal networks driving this trade, we are not only holding perpetrators to account but also helping to reduce pressure on endangered species, giving them a real chance to recover and survive in the wild”, added Swaak-Goldman.
