The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has destroyed 700 sacks of donkey parts handed over to it by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kaduna, as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade and enforce environmental protection laws.
The exercise, which involved the incineration of donkey bones and the burial of donkey skins, was carried out at two approved sites in Kaduna under the strict supervision of NESREA officials, in compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Speaking during the operation, NESREA’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, expressed concern over the rapid decline in Nigeria’s donkey population, warning that the species faces the risk of extinction.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending illegal animal exploitation and tackling wildlife trafficking, adding that the destruction exercise was conducted with full adherence to safety measures.
“The operation was executed under strict safety protocols to prevent any environmental or health hazards,” Barikor said. “This collaboration between NESREA and the Nigeria Customs Service marks a significant milestone in the fight against wildlife trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.”
He recalled that in July, NESREA destroyed more than 100 bags of donkey genitals handed over by Customs in Abuja, noting that such actions are intended to deter the illicit trade in wildlife products.
Barikor commended the Customs Service for its continued partnership in enforcing environmental regulations and protecting endangered species.
He added that although donkeys are classified as domestic animals, the rising demand for their parts for medicinal and aphrodisiac purposes has fueled illegal trafficking. He further noted that the Federal Government has already issued an executive order restricting the commercial exploitation of donkeys to protect the species from extinction.
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