A foreign man has rescued a sea turtle from roadside traders near Eko Hotel in Lagos, purchasing the animal to secure its freedom before returning it to its natural habitat.

The incident was recounted by a Nigerian man who said he witnessed the encounter while leaving the hotel.

According to his account, he spotted some men attempting to sell a sea turtle by the roadside when the foreigner stopped and challenged them over the sale of the animal.

He said the foreigner pleaded with the traders and tried to convince people around, including police officers, that selling the sea turtle was wrong.

Despite initially appearing to be the only person speaking against the trade, the foreigner remained determined and eventually paid the traders for the sea turtle, not to keep it but to save the animal.

With the assistance of a police van, the rescued sea turtle was transported to the sea and released into its natural habitat.

Recounting the encounter, the Nigerian man expressed gratitude to the foreigner for intervening and giving the animal another chance at life.

“Eventually, he paid the men for the turtle, not to own it, but to give it another chance at life. With the help of a police van, the turtle was taken back to the sea and released into its natural home,” he said.

He also called on people to protect sea turtles and allow them to live freely in their natural environment, stressing that the ocean is their home. (Arise News)