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 targeted operation in Kofar Mata, Kano State, as part of efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade.
According to an official report released on Thursday, the operation was carried out on 7 July 2026 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.
The Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Anuhu Mani, said the operation successfully dismantled part of an illegal primate trafficking network operating within the Kano axis.
He disclosed that the rescued infant gorilla was immediately handed over to veterinary experts, where it is currently receiving specialised medical care and rehabilitation.
According to AC Mani, the successful operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting criminal syndicates involved in the trafficking and illegal trade of protected primates.
He noted that the operation highlights the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration between security agencies and international conservation organisations in tackling trans-border wildlife crimes.
“Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation,” he said.
The Customs officer explained that, to protect the integrity of the investigation and facilitate the arrest of other members of the trafficking network, the identity of the suspect and additional operational details are being withheld.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing laws protecting endangered species, stressing that the Service maintains a zero-tolerance stance against wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes.
The NCS also urged members of the public to support ongoing efforts to preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity by reporting suspicious activities related to the illegal trade in wildlife and protected species.
Customs Arrests Suspected Wildlife Trafficker, Rescues Baby Gorilla in Kano