Morocco
237 kg of Prohibited Shark Catch Seized in Dakhl
Moroccan authorities in Dakhla thwarted an attempt to transport nearly seven tons of fish without documentation establishing their origin or legal possession. Royal Gendarmerie officers, working with the local fisheries delegation, stopped a large truck at a checkpoint and transported it to the port for inspection. Authorities determined that approximately 6,800 kilograms of fish lacked the required documentation and seized the shipment. Ten people are facing legal proceedings as authorities investigate the circumstances and potential involvement in illegal fishing and trafficking of marine products. The fish remain in cold storage pending a decision by Morocco’s food safety authorities on their disposition.
Read moreGuinea
3 Major Ape Traffickers Arrested with 372 kg of Pangolin Scales
Three suspected wildlife traffickers were arrested in Guinea on July 20, 2026, following an investigation by the EAGLE Network and Guinea’s Special Service against Organized Crime. Authorities seized 372 kilograms of pangolin scales, representing more than 1,000 pangolins, which EAGLE said had been trafficked from Liberia. According to EAGLE, the suspects had allegedly trafficked chimpanzees since at least 2010 and were part of a transnational network involved in the trafficking of gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, African grey parrots, manatees, and other protected species from several African countries. Investigators also reportedly uncovered plans to traffic elephant tusks and nearly one ton of additional pangolin scales. The organization said the suspects had connections to international traffickers and corrupt officials involved in obtaining CITES export permits.
Read moreFour Alleged Wildlife Traffickers Arrested in Guinea, Dried Seahorses and Shark Fins Seized
Guinean authorities arrested four men in Conakry on May 22, 2026, following an undercover operation targeting the illegal trade in marine wildlife. Authorities seized more than 2,000 dried seahorses weighing approximately 41 kilograms, along with 26 kilograms of shark and ray fins, most of which were reportedly from guitarfish. The fins were believed to have come from at least 250 rays. The suspects allegedly intended to sell the dried seahorses to Chinese nationals for export to China, while the shark and ray fins were also reportedly destined for international trade. Authorities believe the men may be connected to a broader transnational wildlife-trafficking network operating across West Africa and are searching for seven additional suspects. Under Guinean law, the capture and sale of seahorses, sharks, and rays is prohibited, while international trade in many of these species is regulated under CITES.
Read moreLiberia
Two Liberian Pangolin Scale Traffickers Arrested in Major Wildlife Trafficking Operation
Two suspected wildlife traffickers were arrested in Monrovia, Liberia, on May 22, 2026, following an investigation supported by the Wildlife Justice Commission. Liberia’s National Police and Forestry Development Authority seized 735.5 kilograms of pangolin scales, representing as many as 3,970 pangolins. The arrests followed intelligence gathered during a previous investigation that identified additional individuals linked to wildlife trafficking networks operating in Liberia. A 2024 operation resulted in the seizure of another 524.5 kilograms of pangolin scales, representing up to 2,800 pangolins. Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, with illegal trade considered the primary threat to their survival.
Read moreCôte d'Ivoire
Ivory Trafficker Arrested with 6 Tusks
A suspected ivory trafficker was arrested in Côte d’Ivoire on May 18, 2026, after authorities seized six elephant tusks and two hippopotamus teeth. The arrest was carried out by the UCT special unit and wildlife authorities with support from the EAGLE Network. The seizure is part of ongoing enforcement efforts targeting the illegal trade in protected wildlife and their body parts. The suspect is expected to face legal proceedings under Côte d’Ivoire’s wildlife protection laws.
Read moreSuspected Elephant Ivory Trafficker Arrested in Yopougon
A suspected elephant ivory trafficker was arrested in Yopougon, Côte d’Ivoire after authorities found two elephant tusks concealed inside a travel bag. The suspect had reportedly transported the ivory from the coastal city of Grand-Bassam to Abidjan with the alleged intention of selling it. The arrest was carried out by Côte d’Ivoire’s Organized Transnational Crime Unit and the Forest and Water Police, with technical assistance from EAGLE-Côte d’Ivoire. The suspect was detained and later referred to the Abidjan Penal and Financial Division, where the case was placed under investigation. He was subsequently remanded in custody at Abidjan’s prison. If convicted under Côte d’Ivoire’s 2024 wildlife management law, he could face 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of 10 million to 100 million CFA francs.
Read moreTogo
Suspected Ivory Trafficker Arrested and Detained
A suspected ivory trafficker was arrested in Lomé, Togo, on May 16, 2026, after authorities caught him transporting two elephant tusks on a motorcycle. The tusks were reportedly concealed in a grain sack. The arrest was carried out by Togo’s Central Office for the Suppression of Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering, the Ministry of Environment, and EAGLE-Togo. The suspect was detained and later placed in pretrial custody at Lomé Civil Prison after reportedly acknowledging the offense before a prosecutor. If convicted, he could face one to five years in prison and a fine of 1 million to 50 million CFA francs under Article 761 of Togo’s 2015 Penal Code. Authorities reportedly believe he may be an intermediary connected to a larger ivory-trafficking network operating across northern Togo.
Read moreNigeria
Customs Intercept Trafficked Wildlife, Arrests Three in Kano
Nigeria Customs Service officers intercepted a shipment of suspected illegally trafficked wildlife and arrested three men along the Kano-Daura Road on August 25, 2026. The seizure included four caracals, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet, and 19 greater bustards. The animals and suspects were handed over to the Special Wildlife Office of the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and potential prosecution. Authorities said the operation was based on intelligence concerning wildlife trafficking along the route and was conducted under Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws and its obligations under CITES.
Read moreZaria Operation Recovers Two Lion Cubs
Two live lion cubs were rescued in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, on August 21, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation targeting wildlife trafficking. Nigeria Customs Service’s Special Wildlife Office, supported by Focused Conservation, carried out the operation and arrested one suspect. The cubs were recovered from the suspected trafficking operation and placed under appropriate care following the seizure. Authorities are continuing the investigation into the trafficking network and the circumstances surrounding the cubs’ possession.
Read moreCustoms Busts Wildlife Trafficking Ring, Rescues Two Lion Cubs at Abuja Airport
Nigeria Customs Service officers rescued two live lion cubs during an intelligence-led operation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on August 4, 2026. The cubs were discovered concealed inside crates in the luggage compartment of an SUV after an officer heard animal cries during an inspection. Three people, including the alleged owner of the cubs, were arrested. Authorities allege the cubs were being transported from Kano through Abuja and were destined for Congo-Brazzaville. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to identify the broader trafficking network. The cubs were transferred to Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for veterinary care, rehabilitation, and specialized treatment.
Read moreFive Arrested As Customs Intercepts Illegal Animal Parts, Petrol, Others Worth ₦362m In Adamawa
Nigeria’s Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service seized 220 kilograms of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks weighing 74 kilograms, and 64 pieces of raw donkey skin during anti-smuggling operations conducted across Adamawa and Taraba states. The wildlife products were intercepted on July 23, 2026, when officers stopped a Toyota Hiace bus along the Yola-Numan Road. Authorities also seized 534.55 kilograms of dried donkey meat. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and remain under investigation pending possible prosecution. Customs said the operations were conducted under Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws and its obligations under CITES, and announced that the seized donkey skins would be destroyed in coordination with relevant authorities.
Read moreCustoms Rescue Baby Gorilla, Arrest Suspected Wildlife Trafficker in Kano
Nigeria’s Customs Service arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a raid in Kofar Mata, Kano State, on July 7, 2026. The operation was conducted by the Customs Intelligence Unit’s Special Wildlife Office in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit, and the Kano/Jigawa Area Command following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. The gorilla was transferred to veterinary care for specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation. Authorities said the operation targeted suspected networks involved in the illegal trade and supply of protected primates in the Kano area, while investigations continue to identify other individuals involved. The identity of the arrested suspect has not been released.
Read moreNigeria Customs Service Intercepts Live Patas Monkey at International Border
Nigeria Customs Service officers intercepted a live patas monkey during a wildlife trafficking operation at the Seme Border between Nigeria and Benin on June 23, 2026. Officers searching a public bus discovered the male monkey concealed among a passenger’s belongings and arrested the suspected trafficker. Investigators believe the suspect intended to transport the monkey from Nigeria to Ghana through Benin as part of an international trafficking route. The monkey was transferred to the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for veterinary evaluation and care. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, including whether additional individuals or trafficking networks were involved.
Read moreCustoms Intercepts 130kg Elephant Tusks, Arrests Four Suspected Traffickers
Nigerian authorities arrested four suspected wildlife traffickers and seized 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms during an intelligence-led operation in Lagos and Ogun states on June 13, 2026. The operation was conducted by the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission. Authorities estimated the seized ivory’s black-market value at approximately 126.4 million naira and said it was suspected to be destined for Asian markets. The arrests followed surveillance and investigations into an alleged organized wildlife trafficking network operating within and outside Nigeria. The suspects and seized tusks remain in custody while authorities continue their investigation and prepare for possible prosecution under Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Read moreOgun Customs Hand Over Four Seized Pangolins to Conservation Centre
Nigeria Customs Service officers in Ogun State intercepted four live pangolins being transported by suspected smugglers along the Yemoamota–Abule-Igboorand Ebute-Igboora route. The pangolins were found confined in wire-mesh cages and concealed inside a sack on a motorcycle. The suspects abandoned the motorcycle and fled into the surrounding terrain when officers attempted to stop them. Following the seizure, authorities transferred the pangolins to the Wildlife Conservation Centre in Ogun for care and rehabilitation. Customs officials said the operation demonstrates their continued efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under CITES.
Read moreCustoms Intercept Four Live Pangolins in Ogun
Nigeria Customs Service officers intercepted four live pangolins during a nighttime patrol along Alapa Creek in Ajilete, Ogun State, on January 15, 2026. Acting on intelligence, officers stopped a wooden boat carrying the animals in wire-mesh cages. The suspected smugglers fled into the surrounding creeks, abandoning the boat and pangolins. The pangolins were transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping and further care. Authorities said the seizure forms part of efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and enforce Nigeria’s obligations under CITES.
Read moreCameroon
Ivory Trafficker Arrested with 8 Elephant Tusks and 52kg Giant Pangolin Scales
A suspected wildlife trafficker was arrested in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on April 23, 2026, after authorities seized eight elephant tusks and 52 kilograms of giant pangolin scales. The operation was conducted by Cameroon authorities with support from the LAGA team of the EAGLE Network. According to EAGLE, the suspect operated a trafficking network based in Mintom, in southern Cameroon, and the seized elephant tusks had been trafficked from neighboring Congo. The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt trafficking networks involved in the illegal trade of protected wildlife and their body parts.
Read more660 kg of Pangolin Scales Seized in Major Yokadouma Sting
Cameroonian authorities seized 660 kilograms of pangolin scales and arrested three suspected wildlife traffickers during an operation in Yokadouma, in the East Region, on May 5, 2026. The seizure included 12 sacks of scales that authorities said represented approximately 1,320 pangolins. The operation was conducted by forestry and wildlife officials, rangers, and the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA) following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. The suspects were reportedly caught while unloading the scales at a carpentry workshop and remain in custody as authorities investigate the trafficking network and possible financiers. Pangolins are fully protected under Cameroonian law, and authorities said the suspects could face 15 to 20 years in prison and fines of 20 million to 50 million CFA francs under the country’s 2024 forestry law.
Read moreGabon
Three Suspected Ivory Traffickers Jailed After a Seizure in Ovan
Three suspected ivory traffickers were placed in pretrial detention in Libreville, Gabon, following the seizure of six elephant tusks in Ovan, in the Ogooué-Ivindo province. The operation was conducted on September 5, 2026, by Gabon’s Water and Forests Administration and Judicial Police, with support from Conservation Justice. Authorities seized six tusks that had been cut into 12 pieces. Four people were initially arrested, with three reportedly caught attempting to sell the ivory. The fourth individual, identified as the driver who transported the ivory, was released from the case due to insufficient evidence of involvement. The three remaining suspects were referred to prosecutors in Libreville and placed in pretrial detention on September 11. Under Gabonese law, illegal possession or attempted sale of ivory can carry prison sentences of up to 10 years and significant fines.
Read moreTwo Suspected Ivory Traffickers Caught in a Trap in Libreville
Two suspected ivory traffickers were arrested in Libreville, Gabon, on July 31, 2026, during a joint operation by the Water and Forests Administration and Judicial Police, with technical support from Conservation Justice. The suspects were reportedly caught attempting to sell four elephant tusks and an elephant tail, all derived from a species protected under Gabonese law. The suspects were placed in police custody pending presentation before a magistrate. Authorities allege that one of the men may have been involved in the killing of at least six elephants and attempted to conceal the origin of the ivory. Under Gabonese law, illegal possession, transport, or sale of protected wildlife products can carry prison sentences of up to 10 years and substantial fines.
Read moreKenya
Two Elephant Tusks Seized in Anti-trafficking Operation in Nanyuki
Kenyan police recovered two elephant tusks and arrested a person of interest during an intelligence-led operation in Nanyuki on September 25, 2026. Investigators had been tracking the movement of the suspected wildlife trophies along the Nanyuki-Meru Highway before intercepting the individual in Makutano. The suspect allegedly attempted to flee when officers approached but was apprehended, and the tusks were secured as evidence. Authorities are conducting forensic examinations and investigating the origin and intended destination of the ivory, while pursuing additional leads to determine whether others were involved in the suspected trafficking operation.
Read more27 Dik-dik Carcasses Seized in Garissa Bushmeat Trade
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers seized 27 dik-dik carcasses and an additional antelope carcass in Garissa County on September 11, 2026, in an operation targeting suspected illegal bushmeat trafficking. The carcasses were intercepted at Bohodhe along the Diiso-Hagadera road, a route connecting parts of Garissa County with the Dadaab area. Officers also recovered a Toyota Alto believed to have been used to transport the animals. The suspected poachers reportedly opened fire when KWS officers attempted to intercept them, leading to an exchange of gunfire before the suspects fled. Authorities said they have identified the vehicle’s owner and driver and are pursuing them as part of an investigation into an increasingly commercialized bushmeat trade in the region. KWS has urged local communities to report suspected poaching and warned of the conservation and public health risks associated with illegal bushmeat consumption.
Read moreComoros
Comoros Customs Seizes Five Live Lemurs on Flight to India via Addis Ababa
Comoros customs officials seized five live lemurs at Hahaya Airport on May 28, 2026, after discovering the protected animals aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for India via Addis Ababa. The seizure was carried out by officers from the Hahaya Airport Customs Surveillance Brigade, who intercepted the shipment before the animals could be transported internationally. The seizure followed increased customs enforcement efforts targeting wildlife trafficking through Comoros. Authorities described the operation as an effort to prevent the illegal movement of protected wildlife across international borders.
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