By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a baby gorilla during a targeted operation in Kofar Mata, Kano State, as part of efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
The raid, conducted on Tuesday by the NCS Special Wildlife Office under the Customs Intelligence Unit, was carried out in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
According to the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, the operation dismantled part of an illegal primate trafficking network operating within the Kano axis.
He said the rescued infant gorilla was immediately taken into veterinary care, where it is receiving specialised medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Mani explained that the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting syndicates involved in the illegal trade of protected primates.
He added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network, noting that further operational details, including the suspect’s identity, are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The customs officer reaffirmed the service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service maintains a zero-tolerance policy against crimes involving endangered species and will continue to enforce laws aimed at protecting the country’s wildlife.