Customs arrests suspected wildlife trafficker, rescues baby gorilla in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) 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.

According to the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, “the 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.

The Customs officer, however, said the identity of the suspect or other operational details will not be disclosed while investigations are ongoing.

He reiterated the NCS’s zero-tolerance policy against wildlife trafficking, saying the NCS remained committed to enforcing endangered species laws and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.