Interpol seizes 20k animals, arrests hundreds in Nigeria

In a major international operation, nearly 20,000 live animals were seized and 365 suspects arrested, marking a significant blow to wildlife trafficking networks.   

Operation Thunder 2024, a coordinated effort by Interpol and the World Customs Organization, involved 138 countries and regions in a global crackdown on the illegal trade in wildlife and forestry products. 

The operation, conducted between November 11th and December 6th, resulted in the seizure of thousands of endangered or protected species, including big cats, birds, pangolins, primates, and reptiles.   

“Organized crime networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed,” warned Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza. 

“This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability.”

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