Nigeria destroys 2.5 tons of seized elephant tusks worth $11.2M

By Timothy Olanrewaju

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria on Tuesday destroyed 2.5 tons of seized elephant tusks worth $11.2 million as part of a campaign to deter wildlife trafficking.

"We are proud to stand at the forefront of the fight against the illegal ivory trade. Today’s ivory crush is a symbol of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of our natural heritage," said Isiaq Salako, the minister of state for environment.

Salako said his country was taking a firm stance on illegal trade which threaten the existence of elephants, calling on the global community to collaborate with the country.

He said the powder from the crushed tusks would be used in building a symbolic national park monument in the country’s capital.

Nigeria has been battling the illegal harvesting of elephant tusks. The country was suspended from CITES trade in 1989 due to an increase in illegal wildlife trade and poor enforcement of the conservation regulations. The suspension was lifted in 2011.

CITES is a legally binding multilateral treaty aiming to protect endangered plants and animals from threats of international trade.