Rescued Baby Gorilla
The Nigeria Customs Service has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a raid in Kofar Mata, Kano State, in what it described as a major breakthrough against an illegal primate trafficking network.
The operation, conducted on July 7 by the NCS Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit alongside Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to a statement shared by the Service on its social media platforms on Thursday.
The rescued infant gorilla has been transferred to veterinary care, where it is receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation.
The Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Anuhu Mani, said the operation targeted syndicates involved in the illicit trade and supply of protected primates within the Kano axis.
He added that the successful raid demonstrated the value of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with conservation partners.
Mani said investigations were ongoing as the Service followed all actionable leads generated from the operation.
He noted that the Service would not disclose the identity of the suspect or further operational details while investigations continued, explaining that the decision was necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigation and prevent fleeing members of the trafficking network from evading justice.
The Customs officer reiterated the Service’s zero-tolerance policy against wildlife trafficking, stressing that the NCS remained committed to enforcing endangered species laws and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.
