Wanted Wildlife Smuggler Arrested by Nigeria Customs in Major Bust

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has apprehended Mr. Felix Maiva, a notorious wildlife smuggler who had been evading capture since 2021. Maiva’s arrest was the result of an intensive investigation and surveillance operation initiated following the discovery of a shocking shipment.

The seized 20-foot container was found to harbor an alarming cargo: 4,752 kilograms of elephant ivory, 5,239 kilograms of pangolin scales, 5 kilograms of rhinoceros horns, and even some lion skeletons. These illegal wildlife products were destined for export to Haiphong, Vietnam, in January 2021, with the Apapa Sea Port in Lagos serving as the point of departure.

According to Theophilus Duniya, the Public Relations Officer of FOU Zone A, Maiva’s role as a shipping agent for an organized crime group made him a prime target for law enforcement. The group had been under investigation for their involvement in the January 2021 seizure and various other wildlife trafficking offenses.

Highlighting the significance of this arrest, the acting comptroller of FOU Zone A, Hussein Ejibunu, noted that a prior wildlife seizure at Apapa led to the conviction of a clearing agent, Mr. Felix Olame, by a Federal High Court in Lagos in June 2023. Ejibunu commended the officers for their diligence and persistence in pursuing the suspect, emphasizing that smuggling suspects, no matter how far they flee, will ultimately face the long arm of the law.

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This successful operation is seen as a morale booster for officers actively pursuing similar cases and suspects. Ejibunu underscored the importance of collaboration, as Maiva’s capture was the result of intelligence-driven efforts involving the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission. Their joint mission aligns with global efforts to combat crimes against endangered species.

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