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
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
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
Operation Fiesta Leads to Major Wildlife Rescue and Enforcement Action in Nigeria
March 8, 2026 – Cross River State, Nigeria In a significant victory against illegal wildlife trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office (NSWO), in
Operation Lexus: Lion Cub Rescued in High-Risk Anti-Trafficking Operation in Kano, Nigeria
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
OPERATION CORTINA: Four Live Pangolins Rescued in Nigeria as Focused Conservation Expands Frontline Impact
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
Strengthening Intelligence Capacity: UK Expert Delivers Advanced Training to Nigeria’s SWO
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
Nigerian Customs Intercept Pangolins in Ogun State Following Intelligence and Awareness Efforts from NSWO
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
Operation Holy Night: Rescuing Pangolins and Disrupting Trafficking Networks in Nigeria
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
Operation Rose: Nigeria’s Customs Stops Trafficker and Rescues Lion Cub and Monkeys
Focused Conservation’s role in helping initiate, mentor, and fund specialized wildlife crime units across Africa has been well documented and the results continue to speak
Justice for Bili: Nigerian Court Convicts Two Men for Illegal Gorilla Trade
LAGOS, NIGERIA — November 2025 A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, presided over by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, has convicted and sentenced two men, Lamin