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Environmentalists and students celebrated as three rescued sea turtles, which are rare in this region, returned to the ocean at a private beach in Lagos, Nigeria’s main commercial center.

Several weeks after the turtles were rescued from fishermen, they were set free back into the ocean, marking the latest group among dozens of sea turtles saved by the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative in recent years. This particular group was released last weekend.

For fishermen, they are merely a source of sustenance,” Chinedu Mogbo, head of the Greenfingers group, said to The Associated Press. “There is a lack of awareness regarding wildlife.

Sea turtles, which are essential to the marine environment, are facing endangerment in Lagos, a coastal city home to over 20 million residents. Although there are no specific numbers regarding their current population in Lagos’ waters, wildlife conservationists such as Mogbo report a concerning decrease in the number of sea turtles returning to the shores to nest.

Endangered animal species exist in Nigeria.

Nigeria, which boasts a rich variety of wildlife, is home to 23 species classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The West African country also serves as a center for the illegal trade of wildlife, according to specialists who attribute this issue to factors such as population increase and insufficient knowledge about the animals.

“Nigeria’s threatened wildlife is experiencing a severe and continuous danger, hovering near the edge of irreversible loss of biodiversity,” stated Mark Ofua, West Africa representative for Wild Africa.

Conservation efforts yielding results

The injured sea turtles saved by Mogbo and his group were cared for at a refuge for endangered animals in Lagos prior to being set free into the sea.

We set free the sea turtles and later discovered they had been caught again after six months,” Mogbo stated. “This, in my view, represents a positive development.

Encouragement for the fishermen has made a difference, he mentioned. Fishermen are given fishing equipment as a reward if they notify conservationists when their nets accidentally catch a sea turtle or if they discover a turtle nest on the beach.

As the three turtles vanished into the water, a group of students observed with awe.

It holds great significance for me because I have a strong passion for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation,” said Aviel Izedonmi, one of the students in attendance. “Witnessing something like this in Nigeria, where it is rare, highlights just how crucial these efforts are.