Despite the declining population of elephants and threats to their extinction in Nigeria, soldiers shot one dead as captured in a viral video. 

Musa Gwary, who described himself as a film-maker on X, on Monday, shared the video of the killing of an elephant which he said took place at Kala Barge Local Government area of Borno State.

“Urgent call to end elephant killings in Kala Barge Local Government. Viewer’s discretion is advised. I am writing to bring your attention to a critical issue that demands immediate action – the alarming rate of elephant killings in Kala/Balge Local Government,” Mr Gwary lamented.

In the video, a soldier flanked by a man in kaftan, could be seen shooting at the elephant as voices in the background encouraged him to carry on.

“Again, again,” voices in the background of the video encouraged the soldier as he shot the endangered animal to death.

With the elephant down, three soldiers and others in the video moved closer to the lifeless animal, while the man in kaftan spoke in Hausa.  

“About 10 elephants came into the town. Two have been killed. We thank God,” the man in kaftan said. “If God will give us luck to be killing two every day at least it will reduce the destruction the elephants are causing us.’’ 

The video of the elephant killing has elicited condemnation by Nigerians on X, with many calling for protection of the animal.

According to the African Wildlife Foundation, African elephants play an important role in balancing natural ecosystems. They trample forests and dense grasslands, making room for smaller species to coexist. Elephants also create water holes used by other wildlife as they dig dry riverbeds when rainfall is low. Herds travel over vast rangelands, and they disperse seeds in their dung, which helps generate new green growth.

In August, during the commemoration of World Elephant Day, Wild Africa Fund raised the alarm over the declining number of elephants in Nigeria, calling for action to protect them.

Nigeria Representative of Wild Africa Fund, Festus Iyorah, said “Over the past 30 years, Nigeria’s elephant population has dramatically declined from an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 two decades ago to a current estimate of 300 to 400.

 Mr Iyorah listed poaching for ivory, conflicts between human beings and elephants and habitat loss among factors responsible for the decline in elephant population in Nigeria.