A baby gorilla has been rescued from illegal captivity in Kano State after the Nigeria Customs Service arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker during a targeted operation against an illicit primate trade network.
The operation took place in the Kofar Mata area on July 7 after intelligence officers monitored the activities of suspected wildlife traffickers for several weeks. It was carried out by the NCS Special Wildlife Office in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit and the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Service said the rescued animal has been placed under expert veterinary care.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs and Officer in Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Anuhu Mani, said the “rescued infant gorilla had been transferred to veterinary care and is receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation.”
He noted that the raid was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal groups involved in the illegal trade of protected primates, adding, “Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation.”
The Customs Service said it would not disclose the suspect’s identity or further operational details to avoid compromising the investigation.
“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 stated.
He also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and enforcing laws that protect endangered species across the country.
