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, in compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.
The exercise, which involved the incineration of donkey bones and the burial of donkey skins, was conducted at two designated facilities in Kaduna under strict supervision by regulatory officers and in line with environmental standards.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, lamented the declining population of donkeys in Nigeria, warning that the species is gradually going into extinction.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the illegal exploitation of animals and curbing wildlife trafficking.
Barikor said the destruction was carried out safely and responsibly, noting that all personnel involved wore protective equipment and followed procedures to minimize health and environmental risks.
“The operation was executed under strict safety protocols to prevent any environmental or health hazards,” he stated.
“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.”
He recalled that in July, NESREA incinerated over 100 bags of donkey genitals handed over by the Customs Service in Abuja, stressing that such actions aim to discourage illicit trade in wildlife parts.
The Director-General commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued support in enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species.
Barikor noted that although donkeys are classified as domestic animals, the growing demand for their parts for medicinal and aphrodisiac purposes has driven illegal trafficking, prompting the Federal Government to issue an executive order restricting their commercialization.
