The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has destroyed 700 sacks of donkey parts handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kaduna, as part of efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, said the exercise, which involved the destruction of donkey bones and skins, was conducted between October 3 and 6 in line with environmental regulations and safety protocols.
According to Ejiofor, the incineration took place at two designated facilities in Kaduna, while the skins were buried in an environmentally approved location. The operation, she said, was supervised by regulatory officers to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
She noted that the joint effort between NESREA and Customs ensured that the destruction was executed safely and responsibly, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s campaign against the illegal trade in endangered species.
“The destruction was carried out under strict safety protocols to prevent any potential environmental or health risks,” Ejiofor stated, adding that all personnel wore protective gear and adhered to biohazard prevention measures.
The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, commended the collaboration, lamenting that the country’s donkey population was rapidly declining and at risk of extinction.
Barikor reaffirmed the Federal Government’s firm stance against the illegal exploitation of donkeys, stressing that the high demand for donkey parts for medicinal and aphrodisiac purposes prompted an executive order to restrict their commercial trade.
He said the destruction of the confiscated parts was intended to deter illicit trade and send a clear signal of government’s zero tolerance for wildlife crimes.
The DG also commended the Nigerian Customs Service for its continued partnership in enforcing environmental and wildlife protection laws.
