The Director-General of the (NESREA), Prof. , has stated that recent handovers of pangolins in Kano and Akwa Ibom states reflect growing public awareness and support for wildlife conservation in Nigeria.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Barikor noted that the pangolins recently handed over to the agency in both states indicate increasing public consciousness regarding the protection of endangered species. Reacting to the incidents, he commended the actions of a local hunter in Akwa Ibom, as well as the collaborative efforts of security agencies in Kano, describing both developments as encouraging signs.
“These are positive indicators of awareness on wildlife conservation,” he said.
Providing further details, the NESREA boss explained that in Akwa Ibom, the hunter, upon discovering that the animals caught in his traps were pangolins, chose not to seek buyers but instead reported the matter to the appropriate authorities. According to him, this action represents a significant boost for conservation efforts in the country.
Barikor also attributed the successful operation in Kano to effective inter-agency collaboration in combating wildlife trafficking, noting that such synergy offers renewed hope for the protection of endangered species nationwide.
He warned that wildlife traffickers, including those operating through social media platforms, would be held accountable under the law.
“We know some of these traffickers operate online through various social media platforms. What they must know is trafficking in wildlife is a criminal offence, whether carried out online or offline,” he said.
“It is prohibited under the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental (Control of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2025, and we will take action against that,” he added.
Reaffirming NESREA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, Barikor urged members of the public to continue supporting conservation initiatives by reporting wildlife-related crimes to relevant authorities.
He further disclosed that in Akwa Ibom, a local hunter, , whose traps caught two pangolins instead of grass-cutters, promptly alerted Prof. of the (PCGN).
Although one of the pangolins died, Etim handed both animals over to NESREA officials led by the State Coordinator, . The animals were subsequently transferred to the for further action.