Nigeria’s government obliterated an $11 million stash of seized elephant tusks, demonstrating zero tolerance for illegal wildlife trade, according to Environment Minister Iziaq Salako.
The massive haul, almost 2.5 tonnes, was among Nigeria’s largest seizures, some even carved into saleable artworks.
The tusks will be pulverized into powder and used to create a monument, symbolizing Nigeria’s commitment to elephant protection.
Despite global bans on ivory trade, experts note the ongoing slaughter of tens of thousands of elephants annually, making Nigeria a significant hub for illegal wildlife trade, mainly directed to Asian markets.
Recently, Nigeria destroyed nearly four tonnes of seized pangolin scales, highlighting ongoing efforts against illegal animal part trading.
Elephant populations in Africa have dramatically declined, with fewer than 500,000 remaining, down from over 1.3 million in the 1970s, and Nigeria’s elephant count stands at a precarious 400.
Human-elephant conflicts, often leading to killings when elephants encroach on farmland or interact with humans, have added to the threat.
A viral video of soldiers shooting two elephants on farmland prompted Nigerian officials to launch investigations in December.
Source-BBC
