Customs rescues baby gorilla, arrests suspected wildlife trafficker in Kano

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a targeted operation in Kofar Mata, Kano State, in a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking.

The operation, carried out on July 7, 2026, was led by the NCS Special Wildlife Office under the Customs Intelligence Unit in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.

According to the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Anuhu Mani, the raid dismantled part of an illegal primate trafficking network operating within the Kano axis.

He disclosed that the rescued infant gorilla, which was found in a dehydrated condition, was immediately transferred to a veterinary facility where it is receiving specialised medical care and rehabilitation.

Mani explained that the successful operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at tracking syndicates involved in the illegal trade and supply of protected primates.

He noted that the operation highlights the importance of collaboration among security agencies and conservation partners in tackling trans-border wildlife crime.

“Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation,” he said.

The Customs officer added that further operational details, including the identity of the suspect, are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent other members of the trafficking network from evading arrest.

“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.

He reaffirmed the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against wildlife trafficking, stressing its commitment to enforcing laws protecting endangered species and safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity.

The NCS said investigations are continuing to uncover other members of the trafficking network and strengthen efforts to curb the illegal wildlife trade across the country.