By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to enhance surveillance at the country’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future attempts at illegal wildlife trafficking.
The announcement was made by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on March 29, 2025, following the interception of a baby gorilla smuggled from Nigeria.
The baby gorilla was discovered by Turkish authorities during a routine inspection at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.
It had been illegally transported from Nigeria and was en route to Bangkok, Thailand.
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Nigerian authorities are now working closely with their Turkish counterparts to ensure the safe return of the endangered animal.
Ebienfa condemned the illegal trafficking of wildlife, particularly endangered species like the gorilla, which is classified as critically endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The baby gorilla falls under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits any trade in the species unless for exceptional conservation or scientific purposes.
In response to the smuggling attempt, Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Federal Ministry of Environment, have launched an investigation to determine the origins of the illegal trade and hold those responsible accountable.
The Nigerian government also commended Turkish authorities for their role in intercepting the smuggling operation and directed the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara to continue working with Turkish officials to ensure the safe return of the baby gorilla.
The federal government also reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species, vowing to take proactive measures to prevent further illegal wildlife trafficking and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
