One person suspected to be a wildlife trafficker has been arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kano State.
Officers of the NCS also rescued a baby gorilla that was in captive during. The arrest of the suspected wildlife trafficker and the rescue of the bay gorilla was sequel to what the NCS called “a targeted raid” which took place on 7th July, 2026 in an area called Kofar Mata, Kano State.
The NCS in an official report by the Officer-in-Charge, Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Anuhu Mani, stated that the operation successfully disrupted an illegal primate trafficking network.
The report which was obtained by Maritime Bits revealed that the raid was carried out by the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Customs Intelligence Unit in collaboration with Focused Conservation, NCS Police Unit as well as and officers and men NCS, Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
AC Mani disclosed that the rescued infant gorilla was immediately transferred to the Veterinary Care Unit where it is currently receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation.
Giving an insight into the operation that led to the rescue of the baby gorilla and the arrest of the suspect, Mani 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.
Mani averred 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 crimes.
His words: “Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation. 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 zero-tolerance policy toward wildlife trafficking just as he reaffirmed the NCS commitment to enforcing endangered species laws and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage no matter what it takes.
