Nigeria Customs Rescues Baby Gorilla, Arrests Wildlife Trafficker In Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a targeted raid conducted on 7 July 2026 in Kofar Mata, Kano State.

An official report on Thursday, 9 July 2026, from the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Anuhu Mani, said the operation successfully disrupted an illegal primate trafficking network.

The raid 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 Mani, the rescued infant gorilla was immediately transferred to veterinary care, where it is currently receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation.

He explained that the breakthrough followed weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting syndicates involved in the illicit trade and supply of protected primates within the Kano axis. He added that the success of the operation underscores the critical role of inter-agency collaboration and partnerships with international conservation organisations in combating trans-border wildlife crime.

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

“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 reiterated the Service’s zero-tolerance policy toward wildlife trafficking, reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to enforcing endangered species laws and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.