The Nigeria Customs Service has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a targeted operation in Kofar Mata, Kano State. The raid, carried out on Tuesday, dismantled part of an illegal primate trafficking network, according to a statement sent to SHIPS & PORTS by the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani.
The operation was conducted 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. Mani said the rescued infant gorilla was immediately transferred to veterinary care, where it is receiving specialised treatment and rehabilitation.
He said the breakthrough followed weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting syndicates involved in the illegal trade and supply of protected primates across the Kano axis. According to him, the success of the operation highlights 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 NCS was withholding further operational details, including the identity of the suspect, to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent other members of the trafficking network from evading arrest.
Mani reaffirmed the NCS’ zero-tolerance stance on wildlife trafficking, stressing its commitment to enforcing endangered species laws and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage.