Two Nigerian nationals were arrested in South Africa after authorities seized a consignment containing 17 rhino horns and lion and tiger bones, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
The operation, conducted on Monday, December 1, 2025, was a coordinated effort between the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and other stakeholders.
According to the BMA, the intelligence-driven operation began after a suspicious shipment, originally destined for Singapore, was intercepted and returned to its sender in South Africa. Investigators traced the consignment to a storage facility in Kempton Park, Gauteng, where four boxes were inspected.
Inside, officials discovered 17 rhino horns weighing 55.4 kilograms, along with 26.2 kilograms of lion and tiger bones, skulls, and claws. The two men, aged 34 and 35, were identified as the recipients and were taken into custody.
The suspects appeared in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 3 December 2025, facing charges under Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), which prohibits restricted activities involving listed threatened or protected species.
The value of the seized items has not been disclosed as forensic and valuation processes are still underway. Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as the multi-agency investigation continues, with cooperation from both domestic and international partners.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised the seamless coordination between agencies and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, which threatens the country’s natural heritage and fuels organised criminal networks.
