As the world marks the World Elephant Day, wildlife conservation organisation, Wild Africa has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect its dwindling elephant population by mitigating rising human-elephant conflicts.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Festus Iyorah, Nigeria Representative, Wild Africa, and made available on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said that human-elephant conflict had often led to crop raiding, injuries, and fatalities on both sides.
NAN reports that the theme of the 2025 Edition of the World Elephant Day is: “Bringing the World Together to Help Elephants.”
Iyorah said that Nigeria’s new National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) identified human–elephant conflict, particularly crop raiding, as the most significant threat to the remaining elephants in the country.
He noted that in July, headlines and videos across Nigerian media told the tragic story of a farmer who was killed by an elephant in Ogun State.
The Wild Africa representative noted that as reports of human–elephant conflict appeared more frequently in the media, conservationists warn that these encounters are likely to rise.
He added that habitat destruction was driving elephants into closer contact, and sometimes conflict, with people who may retaliate over damaged crops or property.
Iyorah noted that Nigeria’s elephant population had dropped dramatically from over 1,200 three decades ago to just 300 to 400 individuals today, divided into small, isolated herds.
He said that the largest single herd — about 100 elephants — lived in the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
“Other populations survive in Cross River National Park, Okomu National Park, and other forest reserves in the south.
“The key threats to their survival are deeply interconnected.
“Poaching for ivory remains a serious problem, as does habitat loss from logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development,” he said.
Iyorah added that the shrinking of elephant habitats across Nigeria was limiting their movement and pushing them into farmlands and villages in search of food and water.
He noted that this development could lead to fatal incidents, such as the recent human–elephant conflict in Ogun State.
He explained that the growing problem was not just a safety issue, saying that it undermined ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s remaining elephants.
Iyora added that it damaged trust among local communities who start perceiving elephants as threats, rather than unique mammals worth protecting.
The representative said: ” Addressing the conflict requires smarter land-use planning and other innovations to protect key habitats, better community engagement and training on safe coexistence measures.
“It also requires rapid response teams that can act quickly when elephants enter conflict-prone areas,” he said.
Using Zimbabwe as an illustration, Iyorah said that the WhatsApp chatbot, “Wildlife Info” provided instant advice on dealing with elephant-related problems, tips for peaceful coexistence, and guidance on wild animal behaviour.
“By simply texting the dedicated WhatsApp number, users can access methods to reduce conflict, crop damage, and livestock predation.”
He said that the innovative tool made vital information accessible to communities.
“Reducing the levels of human-elephant conflict is one of the key objectives of the NEAP, which was developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation in partnership with the Federal Government.
“The plan aims to secure and restore habitats and connect fragmented ranges through wildlife corridors.
“It helps with implementing early warning systems, while supporting farmers with non-lethal deterrents, such as natural chilli repellent, noise-makers, digging trenches and creating beehive fences.
“It also aims to promote community benefits from elephant conservation, such as tourism opportunities, while boosting anti-poaching patrols and improving enforcement against ivory trafficking,” Iyorah said.
Iyorah quoted Dr Mark Ofua, West Africa Representative for Wild Africa, as saying: “The recent event in Ogun state is a reminder that protecting elephants also means protecting people.
“When elephants have space, corridors and secure habitats, they are less likely to come into conflict with communities.
“Coexistence is possible, but it requires planning, investment, and law enforcement.
“Because we believe people and wildlife can only survive and thrive together.
“We need to work to train and equip local communities to implement appropriate, locally relevant mitigation measures.
“While conducting awareness campaigns to disseminate information on these measures.”
Meanwhile, the statement noted that Nigeria had made legislative progress with the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024.
It said that the Bill had passed its third reading in the House of Representatives and was now in the Senate for consideration.
It added that, if passed and signed into law by the President, the legislation would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat wildlife crime and mitigate the degradation of critical habitats for iconic species, such as elephants.
The statement said that Wild Africa was calling on the Nigerian populace to cohabitate peacefully with elephants and avoid confrontation with these majestic animals.
The non-profit, it added, was running an awareness campaign across Nigeria, utilising TV, radio, print media, billboards, and social media to inform the public about safe practices near elephant habitats and their ecological importance.
