Customs rescue baby gorilla, arrest suspected wildlife trafficker in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a raid in Kofar Mata, Kano State.

The arrest and rescue was made by NCS Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit alongside 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 officers rescued infant gorilla had been transferred to veterinary care and is receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation.”

Mani said the operation targeted syndicates involved in the illicit trade and supply of protected primates within the Kano axis, adding that the success of the raid demonstrated the value of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with conservation partners.

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