Customs Rescues Baby Gorilla, Arrests Suspected Wildlife Trafficker in Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a targeted operation in Kano State, dealing a significant blow to an illegal primate trafficking network.
The operation, carried out on July 7 in the Kofar Mata area of Kano, was confirmed in an official report obtained on Thursday from the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Anuhu Mani.
According to Mani, the raid was executed 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.
He disclosed that the rescued infant gorilla was immediately transferred to veterinary specialists, where it is currently receiving intensive medical care and rehabilitation.
The Customs official explained that the successful operation followed several weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting criminal syndicates involved in the illegal trade and supply of protected primates within the Kano axis.
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He said the operation highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration and partnerships with international conservation organisations in tackling trans-border wildlife crime.
“Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation,” Mani said.
He added that the Service would not disclose the identity of the suspect or other operational details at this stage in order 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,” he stated.
Mani reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife trafficking, stressing that the Service remains committed to enforcing laws protecting endangered species and safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
The latest operation underscores the NCS’s sustained efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade, which remains a major threat to endangered species and biodiversity both in Nigeria and across the region.
By PRNigeria
