Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the disbandment of the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia due to a lack of continued funding for Focused Conservation. Despite this setback, we celebrate the incredible achievements and dedication of our Unit as well as colleague, Danny Murphy, whose impact has been profound. Last […]

In a major breakthrough for wildlife conservation efforts, the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) has successfully apprehended Amadou Bah, an internationally renowned trafficker of pangolin scales. This significant arrest comes after Bah had eluded capture since January 2024, following the seizure of 176 kilos of pangolin scales in Grand Gedah County, Liberia. The SWIU, mentored

a coordinated effort, the Special Wildlife Investigations Unit (SWIU), supported by Focused Conservation and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), successfully conducted a joint operation known as Operation Lime. This operation, which took place on 10 July 2024 in Monrovia, Liberia, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 525 kilograms of pangolin scales.

The SWIU is comprised of officers from the Liberian National Police, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the Liberia Revenue Authority Customs Department. This unit receives mentorship in Liberia from Focused Conservation, enhancing their capability to combat wildlife trafficking.

Operation Lime was initiated based on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission as part of an ongoing investigation into the trafficking of pangolin scales from Africa to Asia. The intelligence analysis revealed links between a key Liberian suspect and a pangolin scale trafficking network in Nigeria.

This operation highlights the successful collaboration between the Wildlife Justice Commission, Focused Conservation, and all relevant authorities and partners, ensuring the seamless execution of this critical mission. This operation represents the largest reported seizure of pangolin scales in Liberia and follows other successful operations where over 1.4 tonnes of pangolin scales have been seized since the Special Wildlife Investigations Unit was formed in May 2023,” noted a spokesperson for Focused Conservation.

This significant achievement underscores the dedication and effectiveness of the joint efforts to protect wildlife from illegal trafficking and preserve biodiversity for future generations.

The Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia recently executed a well-planned law enforcement operation dubbed Operation Pear 2. Acting on intelligence, SWIU embarked on a mission targeting a notorious wildlife trafficker operating within Liberian borders. This operation aimed to thwart the illegal trafficking of both black and white pangolin scales, a nefarious trade that threatens the survival of these endangered species.

The operation yielded significant success, with the seizure of 176 kilograms of pangolin scales from a warehouse under the control of the international pangolin scale trafficker. Despite the efforts of the SWIU officers, the trafficker managed to evade arrest, having been tipped off prior to their arrival. Intelligence suggests that the fugitive has since sought refuge in neighboring Ivory Coast.

Undeterred by this setback, SWIU remains steadfast in its commitment to apprehending the fugitive and bringing him to justice. Collaborating closely with international partners, including Interpol, SWIU continues its relentless pursuit to locate and arrest the trafficker, ensuring that wildlife crime does not go unpunished.

In a powerful collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia coordinated Operation RED, achieving remarkable success. The operation resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals involved in wildlife trafficking and the successful rescue of a live baby chimpanzee in Liberia. Commencing with the initial arrest and seizure near Monrovia, the SWIU team, alongside their dedicated partners, pursued the investigation, leading to the capture of a second wildlife trafficker who had unlawfully possessed the chimpanzee. The Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection (LCRP) organization stepped in, ensuring the safe transportation and well-being of the rescued baby chimpanzee at the culmination of this impactful operation. SWIU’s dedication to combating wildlife crime shines through in this significant triumph.

The Special Wildlife Investigative Unit (SWIU) in Monrovia, Liberia, continues to make strides in combatting illegal wildlife trade. In a recent successful operation called Operation Papaya, SWIU acted as undercover buyers to apprehend a wildlife trafficker attempting to sell live endangered dwarf crocodiles. With support from NGO’s and law enforcement partners, the operation resulted in the arrest of the trafficker and the seizure of two live crocodiles. Currently under the watchful care of a local wildlife sanctuary, these crocodiles are receiving the necessary attention to rehabilitate them. The ultimate goal is to release them back into their natural habitat, underscoring the importance of dedicated efforts to preserve and protect endangered species.

In a recent triumph for wildlife conservation, Liberia’s Special Wildlife Investigative Unit (SWIU) accomplished the successful rescue of a juvenile Lesser Spot-Nosed Monkey in a law enforcement operation near Monrovia. The dedicated SWIU officers took swift action, liberating the young primate that was found tethered with a short chain around its waist. Acting on a valid warrant, the monkey was seized, and the owner was apprehended for the illegal possession of this endangered species.

The Lesser Spot-Nosed Guenon holds a special place in Liberia’s biodiversity, being endemic to the region. Unfortunately, these remarkable creatures face a grave threat from uncontrolled hunting for bushmeat, pushing them to the brink. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Lesser Spot-Nosed Guenon as Near Threatened, underscoring the urgency of protective measures.

Operation Mango, conducted by the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia successfuly rescued 5 live baby Dwarf crocodiles that were being trafficked. One suspect was arrested by the team and the animals were safely recovered and brought to a local wildlife sanctuary for care.