Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a targeted raid in the Kofar Mata area of Kano State, in what officials have described as a major breakthrough against an illegal primate trafficking network operating in the region.
The operation, conducted on 7 July 2026, was carried out by the NCS Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit, and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command. According to a statement shared by the Service on its social media platforms on Thursday, 9 July 2026, the raid followed weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting syndicates involved in the illicit trade and supply of protected primates within the Kano axis.
According to the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, the rescued infant gorilla was immediately transferred to veterinary care and is currently receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation. Mani emphasised that the success of the raid demonstrated the value of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with conservation partners in combating trans-border wildlife crime. "Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation," Mani said.
The Customs officer, however, said the identity of the suspect and other operational details would not be disclosed while investigations continue. "To preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure that fleeing members of the trafficking network do not evade justice, the NCS is withholding further operational details, including the identity of the suspect," Mani stated.
The arrest and rescue represent a significant victory in Nigeria's ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking, a trade that has increasingly threatened endangered species across the country. Gorillas are protected under the Endangered Species Act and international conventions such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which Nigeria is a signatory to. The illegal trade in great apes and other primates often involves complex transnational networks that exploit porous borders for profit.
This operation highlights the growing capacity of Nigerian law enforcement agencies to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks. The NCS has in recent years intensified its efforts to enforce endangered species laws, working closely with international partners to dismantle trafficking syndicates. The rescue of the baby gorilla, which is now receiving medical care, adds to a string of successes recorded by the Customs Special Wildlife Office, which has previously seized elephant tusks and other contraband wildlife products.
Mani reiterated the NCS's zero-tolerance policy against wildlife trafficking, reaffirming the Service's commitment to enforcing endangered species laws and protecting Nigeria's natural heritage. As investigations continue, authorities are following up on leads to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network. The rescued gorilla, which is now under veterinary care, represents not just a life saved but a blow to the criminal syndicates that profit from the suffering of some of the world's most endangered creatures.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments