Three people were arrested on Friday, October 9, 2026, in Grand-Bassam and Port-Bouët during an operation by the Special Surveillance and Intervention Brigade, which led to the seizure of seven bags of products derived from protected species, according to a report from the Ministry of Water and Forests relayed by Kessiya and KOACI.
The operation was carried out following intelligence on the alleged possession and sale of wildlife products. The individuals arrested are presented as alleged resellers, and their responsibility has not been established at this stage.
The seizures notably include fragments of elephant skin, crocodile and python skins, sea turtle shells, an African grey parrot, turacos, owls, hornbills, chameleons, and hedgehogs.
Two of the suspects are of Nigerien nationality and the third is of Nigerian nationality, according to the report cited by Kessiya. This clarification corrects the headlines of some reports that present all three individuals as Nigerien.
The inventory notably attributes 26 turacos, 56 chameleons, and 54 hedgehogs to the batch seized from the first suspect. Another batch included an African grey parrot, 44 chameleons, and 29 hedgehogs, as well as snake skins and products derived from civets and monitor lizards.
The prosecutor of the Economic and Financial Criminal Division has been informed of the facts. The three individuals were taken into police custody, and the investigation continues to determine the origin of the animals, any possible networks, and the responsibilities involved.
