Lagos, Nigeria | July 27–31, 2026
Focused Conservation continues to expand its impact beyond wildlife trafficking by strengthening partnerships that enable law enforcement agencies to confront the growing convergence between illegal wildlife trade and other forms of transnational organized crime.
From July 27–31, 2026, Focused Conservation facilitated an intensive week-long Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) & Operational Deployment Training in Nigeria, bringing together officers from the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office (NCS SWO) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Special Operations Unit, supported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The training was delivered by Focused Conservation’s Technical Advisor in Nigeria alongside a highly experienced UK specialist with more than 36 years of operational experience managing covert human intelligence sources and delivering advanced law enforcement training throughout East and West Africa. Fifteen officers participated in the program.
As part of a broader request from the U.S. Government for Focused Conservation to address not only illegal wildlife trafficking but also its increasing convergence with narcotics trafficking and other organized crime, the organization’s Technical Advisor has worked closely to develop a strong partnership with the U.S. DEA Attaché in Nigeria.
Building Partnerships to Address Crime Convergence
That collaboration has helped foster trust and cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office and the DEA supported NDLEA Special Operations Unit, relationships that have already produced real operational success.
Earlier this year, that partnership resulted in Operation Combine, a landmark joint investigation that led to the seizure of more than three million Tramadol tablets, one of the largest pharmaceutical seizures of its kind in Nigeria. The operation demonstrated the value of intelligence sharing and collaborative enforcement against criminal networks operating across multiple illicit markets.
Recognizing the importance of expanding these partnerships, Focused Conservation formally invited members of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit to participate in the advanced CHIS training. The invitation, presented through the DEA Regional Coordinator, was enthusiastically accepted by senior DEA leadership.
Preparing Officers for Complex Operations
Throughout the week, participants received advanced instruction covering every aspect of covert human intelligence source recruitment, handling, risk assessment, and operational planning.
The program also featured a live video presentation and interactive question-and-answer session led by a former undercover specialist with more than 25 years of experience serving with the UK’s National Crime Squad, Serious Organised Crime Agency, and National Crime Agency.
Practical exercises formed a significant part of the curriculum. Officers participated in realistic operational deployment scenarios supported by Focused Conservation associates who previously received covert deployment training through the UK military. The training culminated in a foot surveillance exercise that reinforced operational planning, surveillance techniques, and methods for identifying and avoiding counter-surveillance.
These practical scenarios challenged participants to think critically about operational security, threat identification, and the safe management of covert meetings with intelligence sources under real-world conditions.
More importantly, the program has further strengthened the trusted relationship between Focused Conservation, the U.S. DEA, the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office, and the NDLEA Special Operations Unit.
Collaboration That Extends Beyond Wildlife Crime
Criminal organizations rarely limit themselves to a single form of illicit activity. Networks involved in wildlife trafficking frequently intersect with those engaged in narcotics trafficking, financial crime, corruption, weapons smuggling, and other forms of transnational organized crime.
Focused Conservation recognizes that dismantling these networks requires more than wildlife expertise alone. By investing in specialized training, fostering trusted partnerships, and connecting agencies that traditionally operate in separate disciplines, the organization is helping build a more coordinated and effective law enforcement response.
This collaborative approach remains key to Focused Conservation’s mission: empowering frontline partners with the skills, relationships, and operational capabilities needed to disrupt organized crime, protect wildlife, and strengthen regional security throughout Africa.
