On the northern edge of Murchison Falls National Park, where the savannah stretches wide and elephants still move across ancient migratory routes, a quiet but calculated operation was unfolding. On February 21, 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), with assistance from the Uganda Police Force and Focused Conservation, launched Operation Blackthorn in Purongo, Nwoya […]
On February 20, 2026, in Kano, Nigeria, a quiet piece of intelligence set in motion a high-risk operation that would once again demonstrate the growing strength of Nigeria’s fight against wildlife trafficking. Acting on intelligence developed by Focused Conservation, the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office (SWO) launched a covert enforcement effort known as Operation
On February 12, 2026, officers from the Nigerian Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, moved to intercept a motorcycle suspected of transporting illegal wildlife. As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the rider abruptly abandoned the motorcycle and fled under cover of darkness into thick undergrowth. Despite an immediate search of the surrounding area, the
During the week of February 9–13, 2026, Focused Conservation continued its commitment to strengthening frontline wildlife crime enforcement by facilitating specialized intelligence training for Nigeria’s Customs Service Special Wildlife Office (SWO). The course was delivered by Andrew Kewley, a seasoned UK Intelligence Officer with 36 years of experience in criminal investigations and intelligence operations. Over
In January 2026, credible intelligence surfaced indicating that a number of significant protected wildlife products were being offered for sale in the Bweyale area of western Uganda. The individuals believed to be behind the activity were reportedly prominent figures involved in poaching operations and were operating in close proximity to Karuma Game Reserve and Murchison
OPERATION APOLLO: Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Arrests Suspect in Major Wildlife Seizure Read More »
On 15 January 2026, officers from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, intercepted a small boat transporting four live white-bellied pangolins along the Ajilete creeks in Ogun State, disrupting an active wildlife trafficking attempt. This operation is being called Operation Viva. Acting on intelligence during a routine patrol, Customs officers
Nairobi, Kenya — December 24, 2025 A specialized magistrate’s court at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has delivered a decisive victory for wildlife protection, sentencing three convicted ivory traffickers for their role in Operation Bateleur, a joint wildlife crime investigation led by Focused Conservation and the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF). The ruling marks the
Operation Bateleur: Kenyan Court Hands Down Sentences in Major Ivory Trafficking Case Read More »
Kampala, Uganda – December 2025 – The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) has successfully disrupted multiple elephant ivory trafficking operations across the country, resulting in significant seizures and arrests in recent months. These operations highlight the critical role of intelligence-led enforcement and cross-agency collaboration in combating wildlife crime. Operation Indus, conducted on October 1, 2025,
Wildlife traffickers will exploit anything—even myths. A recent trend in West Africa has seen pangolins marketed as “electric pangolins,” allegedly inspired by claims of pangolins in the Mojave Desert emitting electrical currents from their scaled bodies. While the scientific community remains skeptical, traffickers have sought to capitalize on the phenomenon for profit, putting more pressure
Operation Holy Night: Rescuing Pangolins and Disrupting Trafficking Networks in Nigeria Read More »
On Thursday, 27th November 2025, Focused Conservation, in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), participated in a high-level stakeholder meeting at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The event brought together over 40 government officials from across Uganda, including representatives from the Judiciary, Prosecutors, Police, Defence, Prison
Strengthening Wildlife Crime Partnerships in Uganda Read More »
