NIGERIA SPECIAL
WILDLIFE OFFICE
The NSWO serves as a specialized unit dedicated to addressing wildlife crime and dismantling trafficking networks operating within the country.
Although relatively new, the NSWO has made significant seizures during wildlife trafficking investigations. These seizures have included illicit wildlife products such as elephant ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, and live animals including 100 African grey parrots and one baby chimpanzee. The confiscation of these items reflects the commitment and effectiveness of the NSWO in tackling the illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.
By collaborating with the Nigerian Customs Service, Focused Conservation aims to enhance the capacity and expertise of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to combat wildlife trafficking. The NSWO likely works closely with other government agencies and international partners to gather intelligence, conduct investigations, and bring wildlife traffickers to justice.
Latest News
Operation Traverse: 48 Live Animals Seized in Major Wildlife Trafficking Interdiction, including Chimpanzees and gorillas
Nigeria | August 2026 A major live-wildlife trafficking consignment has been intercepted in northern Nigeria, resulting in the seizure of 48 live animals, including four
Operation Highlander: Intelligence-Led Operation Rescues Two Lion Cubs in Nigeria
Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria — August 21, 2026 Two live lion cubs have been rescued and one suspect arrested following an intelligence-led wildlife trafficking operation
Operation Baboon: Intelligence-Led Operation Rescues Five Primates in Kaduna
Kaduna, Nigeria — August 6, 2026 — An intelligence-led wildlife crime operation in Kaduna has resulted in the rescue of five primates and the arrest
Operation Traveller: Two Lion Cubs Rescued in Intelligence-Led Airport Operation in ABUJA
ABUJA, Nigeria — August 4, 2026 — The sound of animals crying from the back of a black SUV led Nigerian officers to two young
Focused Conservation Strengthens Nigeria’s Frontline Against Organized Crime Through Joint CHIS & Operational Deployment Training
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
A Life Stolen Too Soon: Baby Gorilla Dies Following Rescue from Wildlife Traffickers in Nigeria
Focused Conservation and the Nigeria Customs Service mourns the loss of an infant gorilla rescued from wildlife traffickers in Nigeria, renewing its commitment to dismantling
Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Live Patas Monkey at International Border
Focused Conservation congratulates the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) ECOWAS Joint Border Patrol Team at the Seme Border on the successful interception of an illegally trafficked
Focused Conservation Expands International Partnerships During Timber Trade Enforcement Conference in Gabon
Focused Conservation recently participated in the Multilateral Counter-Timber Trafficking Workshop held in Libreville, Gabon, following an invitation from the United States Department of State. The
Focused Conservation Helps Intercept Over 3 Million Illegal Opioid Tablets in Nigeria Through Unique Multi-Agency Partnership
Focused Conservation, working alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office (NCSWO), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and with critical support from the Nigeria
Operation Honda: Swift Action in Borno State Leads to Rescue of 20 Trafficked Wildlife
On April 22, 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Borno/Yobe Command carried out a targeted vehicle stop on
Early Morning Operation in Nigeria Disrupts Wildlife Trafficking Network, Rescues Endangered Species
On April 9, 2026, a coordinated early morning operation in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, led to the rescue of multiple protected wildlife species and the
Nigeria and Cameroon Strengthen Cross-Border Fight Against Wildlife Crime with New Intelligence-Sharing Agreement
On April 8, 2026, Focused Conservation supported a significant step forward in the fight against transnational wildlife crime in West and Central Africa. Focused Conservation