Kampala, Uganda | May 12, 2025 — In a milestone step toward dismantling international wildlife trafficking networks, Focused Conservation, in collaboration with Orthemis Ltd., successfully hosted an advanced training in Beyond Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) for wildlife law enforcement officers from Uganda and Nigeria. The week-long course brought together members of the Uganda Wildlife Crime […]
In a significant victory in the fight against wildlife crime, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF), in coordination with the Kenya National Police, has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of two key players in an illegal sandalwood trafficking network. Agnes Nene Nasieku and Matua Mwanangi were each sentenced to seven (7) years in prison
Landmark Sandalwood Trafficking Case Results in 7-Year Prison Sentences Read More »
At Focused Conservation, supporting and strengthening the wildlife crime units such as the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) remains at the core of our mission. These dedicated officers work tirelessly to combat wildlife trafficking across the country, often operating in high-risk, unpredictable environments. Their courage is unmatched—but even the best need tools and training to
From the dusty edges of South African townships to the wide-open space of the rural bush, Tumelo Matjekane’s journey into conservation didn’t follow a traditional path — and that’s exactly what makes his story so powerful. “I grew up in the township, where life was always busy and full of energy,” Tumelo recalls. “But during
Stories from the Bush: Introducing Tumelo Matjekane and Beyond Conservation Read More »
As previously reported in August 2024, Kenya’s ongoing fight against wildlife trafficking achieved a major success with the interception of illegal elephant ivory during Operation Tuna. The Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF), working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), executed the operation on August 28, 2024, after receiving actionable intelligence about illegal ivory movement.
On April 14, 2025, the JKIA Magistrates Court in Nairobi sentenced a wildlife trafficker to 10 years in prison, in absentia, for his role in a major elephant ivory trafficking case uncovered during Operation Kanga—a multi-agency investigation led in 2023 by the now-disbanded Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF). Launched in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife
In a successful operation spurred by critical intelligence developed by Focused Conservation, Nigeria Special Wildlife Officers (NSWO) recently intercepted a wildlife trafficking attempt involving twelve (12) live African Grey Parrots. Dubbed Operation Beach, the investigation began in Kaduna, where officers were deployed to monitor suspicious, unaccompanied boxes believed to contain wildlife. The boxes were being
Twelve Live African Grey Parrots Rescued During Operation Beach in Nigeria Read More »
The illegal wildlife trade is one of the most lucrative and devastating criminal enterprises in the world, driving species toward extinction and fueling organized crime. Traffickers operate with alarming ease, often using social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps to conduct their illicit business in plain sight. However, innovative investigative techniques and intelligence-driven enforcement are
March 26, 2025 – In a major victory against wildlife trafficking, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully intercepted and seized 41.7 kilograms of elephant ivory during a covert operation on March 26, 2025. Dubbed Operation Coach, the intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected traffickers and the recovery of two full tusks,
Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Seizes 41.7 Kilos of Ivory in Operation Coach Read More »
On March 23, 2025, a critical wildlife crime operation unfolded in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a known hub for organized crime and wildlife trafficking. With assistance from Focused Conservation, the Nigeria Special Wildlife Office (NSWO), supported by the Nigeria Customs Police, executed Operation Willow—an intelligence-driven sting to dismantle a key trafficking network supplying pangolin scales. The
Operation Willow: Major Pangolin Trafficking Bust in Nigeria Read More »
