The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has destroyed 700 sacks of donkey parts seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kaduna, as part of efforts to enforce environmental laws and combat wildlife trafficking.
The operation involved the incineration of donkey bones and the burial of donkey skins at two designated facilities in Kaduna, carried out under strict environmental supervision and safety procedures.
NESREA’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the exercise was executed in line with national and international environmental standards to prevent health and ecological risks.
He expressed concern over the rapid decline in Nigeria’s donkey population, warning that the species faces the threat of extinction due to illegal hunting and trafficking.
“This collaboration between NESREA and the Nigeria Customs Service marks a major milestone in our fight against wildlife trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species,” Barikor stated.
He added that all personnel involved in the destruction exercise adhered to protective and safety protocols to ensure responsible disposal.
Barikor recalled that in July, NESREA had incinerated over 100 bags of donkey genitals confiscated by Customs in Abuja, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on the illegal wildlife trade.
He commended the Customs Service for its continued cooperation in enforcing environmental protection laws and supporting the government’s efforts to preserve endangered species.
Barikor also noted that although donkeys are classified as domestic animals, the increasing demand for their parts for alleged medicinal and aphrodisiac use has led to rampant smuggling, prompting the Federal Government to issue an executive order restricting their trade.
