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, dismantling part of an illegal primate trafficking network. The raid was carried out on July 7 by the NCS Special Wildlife Office under the Customs Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit, and the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
According to the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Mani, the infant gorilla was immediately transferred to veterinary specialists for medical treatment and rehabilitation. He said the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting syndicates involved in the illegal trade of protected primates in the Kano axis.
Customs said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the Service has withheld the identity of the suspect and other operational details.
The NCS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on wildlife trafficking, stressing its commitment to enforcing laws protecting endangered species and strengthening collaboration with conservation partners to combat trans-border wildlife crime
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