NESREA Lauds Public Vigilance as Pangolins Safely Handed Over in Kano and Akwa Ibom

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has praised growing public support for wildlife protection following the handover of pangolins in Kano State and Akwa Ibom State.

Director-General Prof. Innocent Barikor commended the responsible action of a hunter in Akwa Ibom, who surrendered pangolins to authorities instead of attempting to sell them. He also highlighted the success of inter-agency efforts in Kano to curb wildlife trafficking, calling both cases “positive indicators of conservation awareness.”

Barikor warned that trafficking in wildlife—whether conducted online or offline—is a criminal offence under the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental (Control of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2025. Violators will face prosecution.

In Akwa Ibom, local hunter Imo Etim alerted Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria after his traps caught two pangolins instead of grasscutters. The animals were handed to NESREA officials led by State Coordinator Mfon Nkanang and subsequently transferred to the National Park Service.

Prof. Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s dedication to enforcing environmental laws, protecting endangered species, and encouraged citizens to continue reporting wildlife crimes to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity.