The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) says it has destroyed 700 sacks of donkey parts handed over to it by the Nigerian Customs Service (NSC) in Kaduna.

This is contained in a statement by Nwamaka Ejiofor, the assistant director of press, NESREA, on Wednesday in Abuja.

She said this was in compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.

Ms Ejiofor said the destruction of the donkey bones and skins took place on October 3, 4, and 6 in Kaduna.

“Two facilities were utilised for the incineration of the bones, while the skins were buried in a designated area.

“The exercise was conducted in the presence of regulatory officers and in accordance with environmental standards,” she said.

She said the success of the exercise was made possible through the collaboration of NESREA and the NCS.

Ms Ejiofor said they ensured that the destruction was carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, which marked a notable achievement in the efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.

“The destruction was carried out under strict safety protocols to prevent any potential environmental or health risks.

“Personal protective equipment was worn by personnel involved in the exercise, and measures were taken to minimise the risk of exposure to any potential biohazards,” she said.

Ms Ejiofor recalled that NESREA, in July, incinerated over one hundred bags of donkey genitals handed over by the Nigerian Customs Service in Abuja.

The director-general of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, lamented the declining donkey population in Nigeria and warned that they are gradually going extinct.

Mr Barikor reiterated the firm stance of the Nigerian government against illegal exploitation of donkeys.

He said that though donkeys are considered domestic animals, their demand by illegal traffickers for medicinal purposes and aphrodisiacs led to an executive order by the federal government to curtail their commercialisation.

Mr Barikor said the destruction of the donkey parts by NESREA and NCS was intended to discourage illicit trade in donkeys.

He expressed appreciation to the NCS for the strong support for the war against illegal trade in endangered species.

(NAN)