In an effort to protect Nigeria’s declining elephant population from wildlife traffickers, the government destroyed 2.5 tons of seized elephant tusks valued at over 9.9 billion naira ($11.2 million). Over the past three decades, Nigeria’s elephant population has declined due to poaching for ivory, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict. Minister of State for Environment Iziaq Salako stated that the government crushed the tusks and will use the powder to build a symbolic national park monument.
The pulverization of the tusk in the capital Abuja follows a similar event in October where officials destroyed four tons of seized pangolin scales. Despite a 1989 ban on ivory trade, thousands of elephants are killed each year for their tusks. Nigeria is considered a hub for trafficking illegal African wildlife parts including tusks and pangolin scales to Asia.
The large West African nation has stepped up counter-smuggling efforts in recent years, partnering with British, U.S., and German officials as well as international organizations to make its biggest seizure of illegal wildlife parts in August 2021. Last month, officials began an investigation after a video was posted on social media showing a soldier shooting two elephants that strayed into farmlands, sparking outrage among citizens. In 2022, Nigeria customs officials seized 1,613 tons of pangolin scales and arrested 14 people.